1 




HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN. 



1876. 



^^/ ^^ 




506 



No. 

OF THE 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE. 



Alcove, 
Shelf,.. 



v^o. >^ 



HISTOKICAL SKETCH 



OF THE 



TOWN OF CHARLESTOWN, 



IN 



RHODE ISLAND, 



FROM 



1636 TO 1876. 



TRANSCRIBED AND WRITTEN 

BY WILLIAM FRANKLIN TUCKER, 

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



BY ORDER OF THE TOWN COUNCIL. 



G. B, & J, H, UTTER. STEAM PRINTERS, WESTERLY, R. I, 
X877. 



*»,- 



"^'^ i*CW 






Historical Sketch. 



PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION. 



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 
A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas, A joint resolution of the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives of the United States was duly approved on the 13th day 
of March last, which resolution is as follows: 

" Be it resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America, in Congress assembled, that it be 
and is hereby recommended by the Senate and the House of Repre- 
sentatives, to the people of the several States, that they assemble 
in their several counties or towns on the approaching centennial 
anniversary of our national independence, and that they cause to 
have delivered on such day an historical sketch of said county or 
town from its formation, and that a copy of said sketch may be 
filed, in print or manuscript, in the Clerk's office of said County, 
and an additional copy, in print or manuscript, be filed in the office 
of the Librarian of Congress, to the intent that a complete record 
may thus be obtained of the progress of our institutions during the 
first centennial of their existence " ; and 

Whereas, It is deemed proper that such recommendation be 
brought to the notice and knowledge of the people of the United 
States ; 

Now, therefore, I, Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United 
States, do hereby declare and make known the same, in the hope 
that the object of such resolution may meet the approval of the 
people of the Uoited States, and that proper steps may be taken to 
carry the same into effect. 

Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, the 25th day 
of May, in the year of our Lord 1876, and of the independence of 
the United States the one hundredth. U. S. GRANT. 

By the President, 

Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State. 



Town of Chablestown. 



STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, &c. 

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, JANUARY SESSION, A. D. 1876. 



JOINT RESOLUTION 

ON THE 
CELEBRATION OF THE CENTENNIAL IN THE SEVERAL CITIES AND TOWNS. 

Kesolved, the House of Representatives concurring therein, That 
in accordance with the recommendation of the National Congress, 
the Governor be requested to invite the people of the several towns 
and cities of the State, to assemble in their several localities on the 
approaching Centennial Anniversary of our National Independence, 
and cause to have delivered on that day an historical sketch of said 
town or city from its formation, and to have one copy of said sketch, 
in print or in manuscript, filed in the Clerk's office of said town or 
city, one copy in the office of the Secretary of State, and one copy 
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, to the intent that a com- 
plete record may thus be obtained of the progress of our institu- 
tions during the First Centennial of their existence ; and that the 
Governor be requested to communicate this invitation forthwith to 
the several towns and city councils in the State. 

I certify the foregoing to be a true copy of a resolution passed 
by the General Assembly of the State aforesaid, on the 20th day of 
April, A. D. 1876. 

„.^ Witness my hand and seal of the State, this 27th day 

JL.8l of April, A. D. 1876. 

* — * JOSHUA M. ADDEMAN, Secretary of State. 



HiSTOBiOAL Sketch. 



STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. 



Executive Department, ) 
Pkovidence, April 27th, 1876. ) 

To the Honorable Town Council of the Town of Charlestown : 

Gentletnen : I have the honor herewith to enclose a duly certi- 
fied copy of a resolution passed by the General Assembly at its re- 
cent session, requesting me to invite the people of the several 
towns and cities of the State to assemble in their several localities 
on the approaching Centennial Anniversary of our National Inde- 
pendence, and cause to have delivered on such day an historical 
sketch of said town or city from its formation. 

By pursuing the course suggested by the Resolution of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, the people of the State will derive an amount of in- 
formation which will be invaluable to the present generation, as 
showing the wonderful progress of the several towns and cities 
since their foundation. It will also be of great value to future gen- 
erations, when the materials for such sketches now accessible will 
have been lost or destroyed by accident, or become more or less 
effaced and illegible from time. 

Therefore, in pursuance of the request of the General Assembly, 
I respectfully and earnestly, through you, invite the people of your 
town to carry out the contemplated celebration on the 4th day of 
July next. HBNRY LIPPITT, Governor. 



Town of Chaelestown. 



PREFACE. 



In transcribing and preparing this sketch for pubhcation, the 
original orthography has been closely followed where it relates to 
the Colonial Records. The most important facts relative to the 
settlements which were first made in this colony, and subsequently 
in this town, I have endeavored to present in a clear and compre- 
hensive manner. From books, newspapers and manuscripts, I have 
copied to a large extent. Of course, in many instances I have had 
to peruse a great many books, papers and pamphlets, to gain a little 
information. No person who has not undertaken to gather such 
statistical items, can fully comprehend the vast amount of time and 
labor which are needful to collect them, and to ascertain their con- 
nection with previous affairs and establishments. The Records of 
the proceedings of the General Assembly, as far as they relate to 
the Niantic or Narragansett Indians, have been copied for this 
volume. 

It is right and just, therefore, to acknowledge my indebtedness 
to the Rhode Island Colonial Records, to Elisha R. Potter's Early 
History of Narragansett, to Wilkins Updike's History of the 
Churches of Rhode Island, and to the Town Records. I must, how- 
ever, acknowledge my special indebtedness to Charles Cross, Esq., 
Town Clerk, for his valuable aid in examining the old records, which 
date back nearly one hundred and forty years ; to David Smith, 
Esq., Superintendent of Public Schools of Westerly, for his gener- 
ous assistance ; and to James N. Kenyon and wife, as well as others 
whom I have not time to mention. 

In proper names there is the greatest diversity in spelling ; the 
word Miantonomo, or Miantonomi, has undergone more than twenty 
changes in orthography. To many of the citizens some of the facts 
will be entirely new ; and to nearly all of them they will cast some 
light on what has passed away, and the various changes which have 
occurred during a period of two hundred and forty years. 



Historical Sketch. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH. 



Fellow Citizens : 

The choice of the Hon. Town Council has placed me in a rather 
delicate position, as I have not the gift of an orator, nor the ability 
of an historian ; but I shall endeavor to present plain and unpolish- 
ed truth, let its ennobling influence fall as it may. 

In attempting to present on this occasion something of an histor- 
cal sketch of this Town from its formation, for the approaching 
Centennial Anniversary of our National Independence of 1776, I 
shall not be overburdened with items of information, and of neces- 
sity must be brief. 

The object for which this request of the General Assembly was 
made, is to draw forth from the fading archives of the past the 
original facts, and to collect the detached and scattered items, which 
are liable at any time to be lost, and to place them in a more dur- 
able condition, that future generations may avail themselves of these 
materials, when all other sources have been obliterated by the 
ravages of time. 

The centennial monuments that mark the great advancement of 
civilization, from the time when Greece and Rome were celebrated 
for their genius in literature, philosophy, and fine arts, seem to 
point forward to the present period as the notable age of literary 
attainments and of wonderful inventions. This seems to be the 
language proclaimed by the leading men of all nations, that we are 
living in an inventive, progressive, and remarkable age. The re- 
searches of Newton, Fulton, Franklin, and Morse, have decided this 
point beyond a doubt, for they were eminent originators of mighty 
inventions, and their brilliant achievements will serve as guiding 
footsteps in ages yet to come. Nature has unveiled her hidden 
mysteries in a thousand different forms. Science has unlocked the 
doors of her ample store house of knowledge, and the nations of 



8 Town of Charlestown. 

the earth are scattering the germs of usefulness promiscuously over 
this period of time in which we live. The people of Athens, in her 
splendor, were pre eminently ahead of all other nations in art and 
literature ; and to her improvements may be added, for an illustra- 
tion, the seven wonders of the world, which were the Egyptian 
Pyramids, the Mausoleum, the Temple of Diana at Ephesus, the 
Walls and Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus at Rhodes, 
the Statue of Jupiter Olympius, and the Watchtower of Alexan- 
dria ; yet these stupendous works of master minds have failed to 
produce such unlimited benefits for those nations as our modern 
inventions have furnished for the present and future generations 
of men. 

The Steam Engine has become a thing of universal importance, 
exerting a prodigious power. They are applied to steamboats and 
steamships, which are plying on rivers, lakes and oceans, by thou- 
sands, against the fury of the winds and waves ; they are applied to 
the railway cars, which are traversing the countries in all directions, 
with the rapidity of the eagle in its flight : they are applied to 
manufactories of almost every variety and kind, rendering cheap 
and accessible, all over the world, the material of wealth and utility ; 
and, finally, they are applied to the printing establishments, where- 
by the diffusion of intelligence and knowledge is increased with a 
power to which no limits can be assigned. The Telegraph is an- 
other noble and useful invention ; and in the language of the poet 
may we well exclaim : 

" It is a feat sublime, 
For intellect has conquered time." 

On the 29th of May, 1844, the news of Mr. Polk's nomination 
was sent to Washington from Baltimore by the Magnetic Telegraph. 
It was the first dispatch ever so transmitted ; and the event marks 
an era in the history of civilization. The inventor of the telegraph, 
which has proved so great a blessing to mankind, was Professor 
Samuel F. B. Morse, of Massachusetts. We are certainly living in 
a marvelous and wondrous age, when New York and San Francis- 
co are brought within four days of each other by travel, and entire- 
ly together by telegraphic communication. Mowing and Sewing 
Machines, which meet the wants of the present day, are among the 
great inventions of the nineteenth century. They have increased 
indefinitely the comforts and enjoyments of the human family ; and 
no person can fully contemplate the vast benefit to mankind con- 
ferred by these inventions, without thanksgiving and praise to the 
" Giver of All." 



Historical Sketch. 9 

CONFIRMATORY DEED OF ROGER WILLIAMS AND HIS 
WIFE, OF LANDS TRANSFERRED BY HIM TO HIS 
ASSOCIATES, IN THE YEAR 1638. 

Be it known unto all men by these Presents, that I, Roger Wil- 
liams, of the Towne of Providence, in the Narragansett Bay, in 
New England, having in the yeare one thousand six hundred and 
thirty-four, and in the yeare one thousand six hundred and thirty- 
five, had severall treaties with Conanicusse and Miantonome, the 
chief sachems of the Narragansetts, and in the end purchased of 
them the lands and meadows upon the two ffresh rivers called 
Mooshassick and Wanasquatucket ; the two said sachems having 
by a deed under their hands, two yeares after the sale thereof, es- 
tablished and conffirmed the boundes of these landes from the riv- 
er ffields of Pawtuckqut and the great hill of Neotaconconitt on 
the northwest, and the towne of Moshapauge on the west, notwith- 
standing I had the frequent promise of Miantenomy, my kind friend, 
that it should not be land that I should want about these bounds 
mentioned, provided that I satisfied the Indians there inhabiting, I 
having made covenantes of peaceable neighborhood with all the 
sachems and natives round about us. And having, in a sense of 
God's merciful providence unto me in my distresse, called the place 
Providence, I desired it might be for a shelter for persons distress- 
ed of conscience ; I then, considering the condition of divers of my 
distressed countrymen, I communicated my said purchase unto my 
loving ffriends John Throckmorton, William Arnold, William Har- 
ris, Strikely Westcott, John Greene, senior, Thomas Olney, senior; 
Richard Waterman, and others, who then desired to take shelter 
here with me, and in succession unto so many others as we should 
receive into the fellowship and societye enjoying and disposing of 
the said purchase ; and besides the ffirst that were admitted, our 
towne records declare that afterwards wee received Chad Brown, 
William ffield, Thomas Harris, sen'r, William Wickenden, Robert 
Williams, Gregory Dexter, and others, as our towne booke declares. 
And whereas, by God's mercifall assistance, I was the procurer of 
the purchase, not by monies nor payment, the natives being so shy 
and jealous that monies could not doe it ; but by that language, 
acquaintance, and favour with the natives, and other advantages, 
which it pleased God to give me, and also bore the charges and 
venture of all the gratuetyes which I gave to the great sachems, 
and other sachems and natives round about us, and lay ingaged for 
a loving and peaceable neighborhood with them, all to my great 
charge and travele ; it was, therefore, thought by some loving 



10 Town of Chaelestown. 

ffriends, that I should receive some loving consideration and gra- 
tuitye; and it was agreed between us, that every person that 
should be admitted into the ffellowship of injoying landes and dis- 
posing of the purchase, should pay thirtye shillinges into the pub- 
lic stock ; and ffirst about thirtye poundes should be paid unto my- 
selfe by thirty shillings a person, as they were admitted. This 
sum I received in love to my ffriends ; and with respect to a towne 
and place of succor for the distressed as aforesaid, I doe acknowl- 
edge the said sum and payment as ffull satisffaction. And where- 
as, in the year one thousand six hundred and thirtye seaven, so 
called, I delivered the deed subscribed by the two aforesaid chiefe 
sachems, so much thereof as concerneth the aforementioned landes 
ffrom myselfe and my heirs unto the whole number of the purchas- 
ers, with all my poweres, right and title therein, reserving only un 
to myselfe one single share equall uoto any of the rest of that num- 
ber, I now againe, in a more fformal way, under my hand and seal, 
conffirm my fformer resignation of that deed of the landes afore- 
said, and bind myselfe, my heirs, my executors, my administrators 
and assignes, never to molest any of the said persons already re- 
ceived or hereafter to be received into the societye of purchasers as 
aforesaid ; but they, theire heires, executors, administrators and 
assignes, shall at all times quietly and peaceably injoy the premises 
and every part thereof ; and I do ffurther, by these presents, binde 
myselfe, my heirs, my executors, my administrators and assignes, 
never to lay claime nor cause any claime to be laid, to any of the 
landes aforementioned, or unto any part or parcell thereof, more 
than unto mine owne single share, by virtue or pretence of any for- 
mer bargaine, sale or mortgage, whatsoever, or joyntures, thirdes 
or intails made by me the said Roger Williams, or of any other per- 
son, either for, by, through or under me. In wittnesse thereof, I 
have hereunto sett my hand and seale this twenty eth day of De- 
cember in the present year one thousand six hundred and sixty 
one. ROGER WILLIAMS, [l. s.] 

Signed, sealed and delivered, in presence of us, 
Thomas Smith, 
Joseph Cakpenter. 

I, Mary Williams, wife unto Roger Williams, doe assent unto the 
premises. Wittness my hand this twentyeth day of December, in 
the present year one thousand six hundred and sixty-one. 

The marke of M. W. Mary Williams. 

Acknowledged and subscribed before me. 

William Ffeild, Generall Assistant. 



HiSTOEioAii Sketch. 11 

The lands transferred by Roger Williams to his associates were 
subsequently divided into what are called "home lots" and " six 
acre lots. " In the clerk's oflfice of the city of Providence is a re- 
vised list of lands and meadows as they were originally lotted, 
from the beginning of the plantation of Providence in the Narra- 
gansett Bay, in New England, unto the then inhabitants of the said 
plantation. The first in order are the " home lots," beginning at 
the " Mile-end Cove," at the south end of the town, between Fox 
Point and Wickenden-street. This book gives a list of fifty-four 
persons who "received their lots with their location." Here we 
find the founders of the State of Rhode Island. Their names are 
perpetuated and transmitted to us by pages of various histories ; 
by inheritance of their numerous descendants ; and finally, by being 
connected with the establishment of a colony among the Indians of 
North America, and the toleration of religious liberty. 

A PAKTIAL LIST OF THE FIFTY-FOUR NAMES. 

Roger Williams, William Wickenden, 

William Harris, John Lippitt, 

John Greene, Robert West, 

William Arnold, Joshua Winsor, 

John Smith, Thomas Hopkins, 

Gregory Dexter, John Sweet, 

Chad Brown, Edward Hart, 

Daniel Abbott, William Man, 

Thomas Angell, Francis Weston, 

William Reynolds, Richard Scott, 

Thomas Olney, Robert Cole, 

William Carpenter, Thomas James. 



DEPOSITION OF ROGER WILLIAMS RELATIVE TO THIS 
PURCHASE FROM THE INDIANS. 

Narragansett, 18 June, 1682. 
I testify, as in the presence of the all-making and all-seeing God, 
that about fifty years since, I coming into this Narragansett coun- 
try, I found a great contest between three sachems, two (to wit, 
Cononicus and Miantonomy) were against Ousamaquin on Ply- 
mouth side ; I was forced to travel between them three, to pacify, 
to satisfy all their and their dependents' spirits of my honest inten- 
tions to live peaceably by them. I testify, that it was the general 
and constant declaration, that Cannonicus, his father, he had three 
sons, whereof Connonicus was the heir, and his youngest brother's 



12 Town of Chaelestown. 

son Miantinomy (because of his youth) was his Marshal and Execu- 
tioner, and did nothing without his unkle Caunonicus' consent. 
And therefore I declare to posterity, that were it not for the favor 
that God gave me with Cannonicus, none of these parts, no, not 
Rhode Island, had been purchased or obtained, for I never got any 
thing out of Cannonicus but by gift. I also profess that, being in- 
quisitive of what root the title or denomination Nahiganset should 
come, I heard that Nahiganset was so named from a little Island 
between Puttisquomscut and Musquomacuk on the sea, and fresh 
water side. I went on purpose to see it, and about the place called 
Sugar Loaf Hill, I saw it, and was within a pole of it, but could 
not learn why it was called Nohiganset. I had learnt that the 
Massachusetts was so called from the Blue Hills, a little Island 
thereabout ; and Cannonicus' father and anchestors living in those 
southern parts, transferred and brought their authority and name 
into those northern parts all along by the sea side, as appears by the 
great destruction of wood all along near the sea side ; and I desire 
posterity to see the gracious hand of the Most High, (in whose 
bands is all hearts,) that when the hearts of my countrymen and 
friends and brethren failed me, his infinite wisdom and merits stir- 
red up the barbarous heart of Cannonicus to love me as his son to 
his last gasp, by which means I had not only Miantonomy and all 
the Cowesit sachems my friends, but Ousamaquin also, who, be- 
cause of my great friendship with him at Plymouth, and the author- 
ity of Cannonicus, consented freely (being also well gratified by 
me) to the Governor Winthrop's and my enjoyment of Prudence, 
yea, of Providence itself, and all the other lands I procured of Can- 
nonicus which were upon the point, and in effect whatsoever I de- 
sired of him. And I never denyed him nor Miantinomy whatever 
they desired of me as to goods or gifts, or use of my boats or pin- 
nace, and the travels of my own person day and night, which, 
though men know not, nor care to know, yet the all-seeing eye hath 
seen it, and his all-powerful hand hath helped me. Blessed be his 
holy name to eternity. R WILLIAMS. 

A PORTION OF A LETTER FROM ROGER WILLIAMS, 
PRESIDENT OF PROVIDENCE COLONY, TO THE GEN 
ERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS, IN 1654. 

Much Honored Sirs : 

1 truly wish you peace, and pray your gentle acceptance of a 
word, I hope not unreasonable. 

We have in these parts a sound of your meditations of war against 



HisTOKiCAL Sketch. 13 

these natives, amongst whom we dwell. I consider that war is one 
of those three great, sore plagues, with which it pleaseth God to 
affect the sons of men. I consider, also, that I refused, lately, 
many offers in my native country, out of a sincere desire to seek the 
good and peace of this. 

I remember, that upon the express advice of your ever honored 
Mr. Winthrop, deceased, I first adventured to begin a plantation 
among the thickest of these barbarians. That in the Pequod wars, 
it pleased your honored government to employ me in the hazardous 
and weighty service of negotiating a league between yourselves and 
the Narragansetts, when the Pequod messengers, who sought the 
Narragan setts' league against the English, had almost ended that 
my work and my life together. 

At my last departure for England, I was importuned by the Nar- 
ragansett sachems, and especially by Ninigret, to present their pe- 
tition to the high sachems of England, that they might not be 
forced from their religion, and, for not changing their religion, be 
invaded by war ; for they said they were daily visited with threat- 
eniDgs by Indians that came from about the Massachusetts, that if 
they would not pray, they should be destroyed by war. With this 
their petition I acquainted, in private discourses, divers of the chief 
of our nation, and especially his Highness, who, in many discourses 
I had with him, never expressed the least title of displeasure, as 
hath been here reported, but after all hearing of yourself and us, it 
hath pleased his Highness and his Council to grant, amongst other 
favors to this colony, some expressly concerning the very Indians, 
the native inhabitants of this jurisdiction. 

Now, with your patience, a word to these nations at war (occasion 
of yours,) the Narragansetts and Long Islanders, I know them both 
experimentally, and therefore pray you to remember — 

First, that the Narragansetts and Mohawks are the two great 
bodies of Indians in this country, and they are confederates, and 
long have been, and they both yet are friendly and peaceably to the 
English. I do humbly conceive, that if ever God calls us to a just 
war with either of them, he calls us to make sure of the one to a 
friend. It is true some distaste was lately here amongst them, but 
they parted friends, and some of the Narragansetts went home with 
them, and I fear that both these and the Long Islanders and Mo- 
hegans, and all the natives of the land, may, upon the sound of a 
defeat of the English, be induced easily to join each with other 
against us. 

The Narragansetts, as they were the first, so they have been long 
confederates with you ; they have been true, in all the Pequod 



14 Town of Chaelestown. 

wars, to you. They occasioned the Mohegans to come in, too, and 
so occasioned the Pequods' downfall. 

Their late famous long-lived Cannonicus so lived and died, and 
in the same most honorable manner and solemnity (in their way,) 
as you laid to sleep your prudent peace-maker, Mr. Winthrop, did 
they honor this their prudent and peaceable prince. His son, Mex- 
ham, inherits his spirit. Yea, through all their townes and coun- 
tries, how frequently do many, and oft-times one Englishman, trav- 
el alone with safety and loving-kindness. 

The cause and root of all the present mischief is the pride of 
two barbarians, Ascassassotic, the Long Island sachem, and Nini- 
gret, of the Narragansett. The former is proud and foolish ; the 
latter is proud and fierce. I have not seen him these many years, 
yet from their sober men I hear he pleads — 

First, that Ascassassotic, a very inferior sachem, bearing himself 
upon the English, hath slain three or four of his people, and since 
that sent him challenges and darings to fight and mend himself. 
He, Ninigret, consulted by solemn messengers, with the chief of 
the English Governors, Major Endicott, then Governor of the Mas- 
sachusetts, who sent him an implicit consent to right himself, upon 
which they all plead that the English have just occasion of dis- 
pleasure. 

After he had taken revenge upon the Long Islanders, and 
brought away about fourteen captives, divers of their chief women, 
yet he restored them all again, upon the meditation and desire of 
the English. 

After this peace made, the Long Islanders, pretending to visit 
Ninigret, at Block Island, slaughtered of his Narragansetts near 
thirty persons, at midnight, two of them of great note, especially 
Wepiteamncoc's son, to whom Ninigret was uncle. All Indians are 
extremely treacherous ; and if to their own nation, for private ends, 
revolting to strangers, what will they do upon the sound of one de- 
feat of the English. 



At a meeting of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Assistants, 
held in Newport the 26th Nov., 1663, agreed and ordered, that 
John Sanford is chosen Gierke of this present meeting, to record 
the acts of this meeting, and till the Court of Election, and is in 
gaged. 

The Governor, Deputy Governor, and Council, having informed 
the Indians' Kings, viz., Quissuckquash and Nineganitt, that his 
gracious Majesty of England, having taken notice of the Narragan- 



Historical Sketch. 16 

sett Sachems submitting themselves subjects to his royall father, 
which submission they subscribed in writing and sent unto Eng- 
land by Mr. Gorton and others of Warwick, they owne that they 
did submitt themselves unto his Majesty's royall father, by a writ- 
inge under their hands about nineteene years ago ; and they are 
now come to know what answer his Majesty is pleased to returne 
them. Alsoe, they owned that they sent a further declaration of 
their submission unto his Majesty by Mr. Joha Nickson, owning 
themselves therein his Majesty's subjects. As also they then, by 
the said Mr. Nickson, sent their humble petition unto his Majesty 
for reliefe in severall wrongs offered and done unto them by the 
other Colonies. The aforesayd submission sent by Mr. Gorton, be- 
ing read in this meeting, and shewed to the sayd Sachems, they 
owned it their act. 

It being informed unto the Narragansett Sachem Quissuckquash, 
that his Majesty of England hath graciously been pleased in out 
Patient, to take the sayd Sachem and all the Narragansett Indians 
and lands into his gracious protection, as subjects unto himselfe ; 
and also that his Majestye hath given this Colony ye government 
thereof, the sayd Sachem did voluntarily make answer that he most 
kindly thanked King Charles for his grace therein. It being also 
informed unto Nineganett, Sachem of the Nayantacott country, as 
was informed as aforesayd unto the Narragansett Sachem ; he an- 
swered, that he most kindly thanked King Charles. The sayd Sa- 
chems being shewed aforesayd declaration and petition, sent by Mr. 
John Nicckson, they owned the same to be their act, and doe re- 
turne his Majesty great thanks for his gracious reliefe in releasinge 
their lands from those forced purchases and mortgages of theyr 
lands by some of the other Colonies. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE 18TH DAY OF JUNE, 1817. 

Will Davel, Indian, is ordered and allowed £3, out of the general 
treasury, for the loss of one of his eyes in the colony's service. 

An Act enabling and appointing overseers to lease out the lands 
of Ninegret, the sachem, in the Narragansett country : 

Whereas, Ninegret, the sachem of Narragansett lands in the 
colony of Rhode Island, &c., hath petitioned this Assembly to ap- 
point three overseers, to oversee and rent out his lands, to prevent 
his being defrauded therein, and has also desired this Assembly to 
dispossess all those that shall refuse to hire of his overseers as shall 



16 Town of Chaklestown. 

be appointed by the Governor and company of said colony, for the 
time being ; and also, in case he hath need to sell any lands, that 
he may be, by the said Governor and company for the time being, 
assisted therein. For the complying with said petition, and for the 
better securing of the said sachem's lands and profits, be it there 
fore enacted by this Assembly, and by the authority thereof it is 
enacted, that Col. William Wanton, of Newport, Major Thomas 
Frye, of East Greenwich, and Capt. Joseph Stanton, of Westerly, 
be, and they hereby are, appointed overseers to oversee and lease 
out said sachem's lands, as shall to them seem most conducive for 
the said sachem's interest ; empowering them, and they or any two 
of them, are hereby empowered, to dispossess all and every person 
that now is, or hereafter shall be, in possession of any said sachem's 
lands, and shall refuse to agree, comply and hire said lands at such 
rents and services as by them, or major part of them, shall be found 
qaost beneficial for said sachem's interest ; they not granting any 
lease for any longer term than seven years ; and the said sachem to 
pay the said charge thereof. 

It is ordered by this Assembly, that Ninegret, sachem, have £10 
lent him out of the general treasury, for two years ; and then to be 
paid by said Ninigret into the general treasury out of the rents of 
his lands. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE SECOND DAY OF MAY, 1718. 

An Act to prevent Indians being sued for debt : 

Whereas, several persons in this colony, out of wicked, covetous 
and greedy designs, often draw Indians into their debt, and take 
advantage of their inordinate love of rum, and other strong liquors, 
by selling the same to them, or otherwise to take advantages, by 
selling them other goods, at extravagant rates, upon trust, whereby 
said Indians have been impoverished, to the dishonor of the gov- 
ernment. [Here follows the act. See public laws for 1719.] 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE 17TH DAY OF JUNE, 1718. 

Be it ordered, enacted and declared by this Assembly, and the 
authority thereof, that Ninegret, sachem, shall and do pass over 
and convey unto Cooke Ruffin's son, the land formerly granted his 



Historical Sketch. 17 

father, and to be under the same restriction as Ninegret's other 
lands are. 

Whereas, an act of the General Assembly of this colony, made 
and passed at Newport, the 18th day of June, 1717, restricted the 
overseers of Ninegret, the sachem in Narragansett country, from 
leasing out any of the said sachem's lands for any longer time than 
seyen years, the which hath been found prejudicial to the said 
sachem's interest, and hath much hindered the improvement of his 
lands ; 

Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, and by the 
authority of the same, that the overseers of the land of the said 
Ninegret, sachem, shall and may have power to lease out the land 
of the said sachem for any term or time, not exceeding fourteen 
years, as to them shall seem most conducive for the said sachem's 
interest ; any act or clauses of acts to the contrary hereof, in any 
wise, notwithstanding. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE 23D DAY OF JUNE, 1724 

An explanation of an act of Assembly, exempting Indians from 
being sued for debt. [See public laws, 1730, p. 133.] 

The trustees of Ninegret have paid into the general treasury 
£50, out of the money borrowed by said Ninegret of the colony. 

There was paid into the general treasury of this colony, on the 
13th day of June, 1727, the sum of £60, by Ninegret's trustees, the 
late sachem, in full of what was due from said sachem to this colony. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
WARWICK, THE LAST WEDNESDAY OF OCTOBER, 1727. 

This Assembly being informed that some persons have spread a 
report tending to the prejudice of the present constitution of this 
government, viz., that the General Assembly of this government is 
against the settling of a church, by any persons whatsoever, in the 
township of Westerly, which is false and groundless ; 

It is enacted and declared, by the General Assembly of this 
Colony, that ten or twenty acres of land be laid out in the town of 
Westerly, out of the land of Ninegret, (be desiring the same,) for 
the erecting thereon a house for worship, according to the form of 
the church of England, or for erecting of a meeting house thereon 
(he desiring it,) for the use of any other society or societies ; and 



18 Town of Chaelestown. 

the trustees that are or shall be appointed to manage Ninegret's 
affairs by the government, to lay it out where they shall think it 
most convenient for a church or meeting house, upon said Nine- 
gret's request. 

Voted, that Ninegret's trustees render an account to the Assem- 
bly, at their next session, of the disposition of the monies received 
by them. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF MAY, 1731. 

Voted, that Col. William Wanton, Major Thomas Frye, and Lieut. 
Col. Joseph Stanton, be a committee to survey several pieces of 
land in Westerly, which Ninegret, sachem, proposes to sell and dis 
pose of, and make report to the next session of this Assembly. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT NEWPORT, THE SECOND MONDAY IN JUNE, 1731. 

Whereas, Col. Wanton, Major Thomas Frye, and Col. Joseph 
Stanton, were appointed a committee to survey several pieces of 
land, in Westerly, which Ninegret, Indian sachem, proposes to sell, 
and in pursuance thereunto, said committee having made report to 
this Assembly with three plats thereof ; 

It is therefore voted and ordered, that said report be accepted, 
and that said committee be still continued, and appointed to assist 
said Ninegret in selling said land, or any part thereof ; and that 
notifications be set up in every town in this Colony forthwith, ad- 
vertising of the sale of said land. 

And it is further ordered, that Ninegret, with the advice and con- 
sent of said committee, have full power to sell two acres of land 
that Stephen Wilcox formily bought of Ninegret, the late Indian 
sachem, deceased, where the iron works stood. 

Whereas, Col. William Wanton, Major Thomas Frye, and Col. 
Joseph Stanton, (who were appointed to assist Ninegret, Indian sa- 
chem, in selling some lands,) presented a plat of said Ninegret's 
lands, containing three thousand one hundred and fifty-eight and 
three quarter acres, dated the 14th day of June, 1731, a piece of 
said land taken off of the east corner of said plat, containing three 
hundred acres, which Col. Joseph Stanton purchased of the late 
Ninegret, Indian sachem, deceased, is ordered by this Assembly to 
be confirmed to the said Joseph Stanton. 



Historical Sketch. 19 

PKOCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT EAST GREENWICH, THE 18TH DAY OF FEBRU- 
ARY, 1734-5. 

Whereas, Charles Augustus Ninegret, sachem of the Narragan- 
sett Indians, by memorial to this Assembly, did set forth that there 
was an act of Assembly made and passed at Warwick, in the year 
] 727, ordering that ten or twenty acres of the memorialist's land 
should be laid out by a committee therein named, whereon to build 
a house for public worship, if the memorialist should desire the 
same ; and in consequence thereof, the majority of the committee 
(the memorialist being present and desiring it) did mark out a con- 
venient place for said purpose ; upon which spot the members of 
the Church of England, in Westerly, did, at the memorialist's earn- 
est desire, and at their proper charge, erect a house for public wor- 
ship, in the way of the Church of England ; but the land granted 
by the aforesaid act, for the said use, never having been laid out, 
nor properly conveyed by deed, the memorialist requested that 
twenty acres, at least, of his land be ordered forthwith to be laid 
out, and duly conveyed for the use of the Church of England, and 
in that part of it where said house or church is built ; 

Which being duly considered, be it enacted by the General As- 
sembly, and by the authority of the same it is enacted, that Col. 
Joseph Stanton, Capt. John Hill, and Mr. William Babcock, or any 
two of them, be, and they are hereby, appointed and empowered to 
lay out twenty acres of land, as in the above memorial is prayed for ; 
and that Ninegret be, and he is hereby, empowered to pass a deed for 
the due conveyance of the said twenty acres of land to the present 
minister of the Church of England, in Westerly aforesaid, and to 
his successors, to and for the use of said church, which deed, so 
passed, shall be good and valid in the law, for the purpose afore- 
said. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
WARWICK, THE THIRD MONDAY IN AUGUST, 1735. 

Whereas, the inhabitants of the town of Westerly did, by peti- 
tion, set forth to this Assembly, that they were destitute of a har- 
bor there, by reason of the breach (that formerly used to be open 
in the largest salt pond in Westerly aforesaid) being shut or filled 
up ; and at the time it used to be open, was but of little advantage 
to said inhabitants, because of the shallowness of the water in said 
breach ; and as it is conceived, that by bringing or turning Pawca- 



20 Town of Charlestown. 

tuck river into said pond, it would be a means to cause said breach 
to continue open, and be much larger, and have more depth of 
water in it than it hath at any time heretofore had, so that the 
said pond would become a very commodious harbor, and naviga- 
ble as well for small sloops as boats ; and that it would be likewise 
very convenient for the catching and making of codfish, which 
would be of great service to this colony ; but the cost and charge 
in carrying on said work would be more than the inhabitants of said 
town of Westerly were able to bear, and praying that this Assembly 
would assist them in defraying part of the charge in turning off the 
said river into said pond : 

Whicb, being duly considered, it is therefore enacted by the Gen- 
eral Assembly, that the said river be turned into the said pond, in 
order that the said breach may be opened ; three-qaarters of the 
charge whereof to be allowed and paid out of the general treasury : 
Provided, that the said town of Westerly, or any person in their 
behalf, will first procure and give sufficient bond to pay and dis- 
charge the other fourth part of the charge thereof ; and also make 
and maintain such and so many bridges as there shall ever be occa- 
sion to make across said river, between the place where it is taken 
from its usual channel and the place where it will fall into said 
pond. And that Col. Joseph Stanton, Capt. Oliver Babcock, Mr. 
Samuel Perry, and Mr. Samuel Clarke, are appointed a committee 
to carry on the colony's part, and are empowered to draw money 
out of the general treasury as necessity requires. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE THIRD TUESDAY IN FEBRUARY, 1735 
-36. 

Voted and ordered, that Christopher Champlin, of Westerly, be, 
and he is hereby, appointed one of the committee for turning of Paw- 
catuck river (in the room of Capt. Oliver Babcock, who refuses.) 
And that those persons who appeared in behalf of the town of Wes- 
terly, viz., Col. Joseph Stanton, Mr. Christopher Champlin, Mr. 
Samuel Perry, and Mr. Samuel Clarke, be accepted and allowed of 
as sufficient bondsmen for said town, in case they give a bond of 
£2,000 to the general treasurer, according to the act of Assembly 
made for that purpose, for carrying on and bearing the one-quarter 
part of the charge of turning the above mentioned river, and making 
and maintaining all such bridges as shall be made over the same ; 
and that if any others are willing to be bound with the above men- 
tioned persons, they have the liberty. 



HiSTOEiCAL Sketch. 21 

Whereas, Messrs. Joseph Whipple, John Coddington, and Daniel 
Jenckes, who were appointed a committee to examine into the ac- 
counts of the trustees of the late Indian sachem, did report that they 
had audited the said accounts, and found that there was due to Col. 
Jos. Stanton the sum of £134 5s. 8d. ; and also, that there were 
debts out-standing for lands sold, the sum of £150 2s. Whereupon 
it is voted and ordered, that the said report be accepted ; and that 
the secretary take a copy of Col. Stanton's accounts,- at the charge 
of the said sachem, and deliver the originals again to Col. Stanton. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT NEWPORT, THE FOURTH TUESDAY IN AUGUST, 

1738. 

An Act for dividing and incorporating the town of Westerly into 
two towns, and the same to be known and distinguished by the 
names of Westerly and Charlestown. 

Whereas, the present town of Westerly is very large, and its in- 
habitants are numerous, many of whom live at a very remote dis- 
tance from the place of meeting appointed for the transacting the 
public and prudential affairs of the town ; and the rivers there (es- 
pecially in the middle part thereof) being very large, so that the 
way to said meeting is rendered difficult as well as dangerous, and 
many of the inhabitants are thereby often impeded and hindered in 
attending thereon, which proves a great injury and hurt to them ; 

And whereas, the said town is well situated, and lies commodi- 
ous for a division into two towns, which being divided, will tend to 
the general interest and advantage of all its inhabitants ; 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of this colony, and by the 
authority thereof it is enacted, that the line for dividing said town 
be as follows, viz., beginning northerly, where Wood River enters 
the line between the said town of Westerly and North Kingstown, 
and so running by the natural course thereof, so far, until said riv- 
er empties itself into a river called Pawcatuck ; and then to run or 
extend as said Pawcatuck river runs by the banks thereof, west- 
ward, three miles ; and from thence a south or southerly course, to 
the sea ; and that, for the future, the town of Westerly extend no 
further eastward than the aforesaid line. 

And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that all the 
rest of said lands heretofore Westerly, situate, lying and being to 
the eastward of the aforesaid line, be, and they are hereby, incorpo- 
rated and erected a town, and called and distinguished by the name 
of Charlestown ; and that the inhabitants thereof have all the liber- 



22 Town of Chaklestown. 

ties, privileges and immunities in the same manner as the other 
towns in the government enjoy by charters. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that Jere- 
miah Gould, John Rice, and William Greene, Esqs., be appointed a 
committee to run a line between the aforesaid town, and erect and 
make thereon proper monuments and bounds for distinguishing the 
same, and to perform the same forthwith. 

And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that the 
Justice of the Peace in the town of Charlestown, as soon as con- 
veniently may be, issue forth a warrant, to summon in the freemen 
to elect and make choice of their town officers, for the management 
of the prudential affairs of said town ; and also, for the choice of 
two deputies for said town, to represent the same at the General 
Assembly in the October session next, and so on from time to time 
as by charter is appointed ; and that the town of Westerly send 
two deputies, to be chosen in manner as usual. 

And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that each 
of the said towns have their proportion of the interest of the bank 
money appropriated for the towns in this colony, in the same pro- 
portion, and according to the sums that the lands in each town are 
mortgaged for. 

And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that the 
town of Westerly send three grand jurors to attend on the general 
session of the peace for the county of Kings county, and two petit 
jurors to attend at the inferior court for said county ; and that the 
town of Charlestown send two grand jurors to attend on said court 
of general session of the peace, and two petit jurors to attend on 
said inferior court. 

And it is likewise further enacted, that the towns of Westerly 
and Charlestown shall each send to the superior court one grand 
juror and one petit juror to attend on the same. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE THIRD TUESDAY IN SEPTEMBER, 1740. 

Voted and resolved, that the Honorable Richard Ward, Esq., 
Governor, and Samuel Perry, Esq., be, and they are hereby, ap- 
pointed trustees to Ninegret, sachem, in the room of the Honor- 
able John Wanton, Esq., late Governor, and Col. John Potter, both 
deceased. 



Historical Sketch. 23 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
PROVIDENCE, THE 27TH OF OCTOBER, 1708. 

At this session, the Assembly appointed Weston Clark, John 
Mumford of Newport, Phillip Tillinghast of Providence, Joseph 
Burden of Portsmouth, Richard Green of Warwick, and Captain 
John Eldred of Kingstown, a Committee to agree with Ninegret, 
" what may be a sufficient competence of land for him and his 
people to live upon," and to view the state of the Narragansett 
country. 

In March, 1709, they reported that they had agreed with Nine- 
gret, and that they found a great deal of the land in the country 
there to be very poor, and some good. The deed of Ninegret is 
dated March 28, 1709, quit-claiming to the Colony all his title to 
the vacant lands, excepting a tract bounded as follows : " Begin- 
ning where the brook that Joseph Davill's mill standeth,* and runs 
into the great Salt Pond, and so from said brook on a strait line 
northerly to Pesquamscut Pond, and by the brook that runs out of 
Pesquamscut Pond into Pawcatuck river, and so along by Pawca- 
tuck river westward, until it comes to Benjamin Burdick's bridge, 
and from thence southerly towards Wequopogue, until it meets the 
grand road, and so along by said road eastward, until it comes near 
to Christopher Champlin's now dwelling house, and from thence 
south to the great pond or salt water, and so along by the pond 
side to the first mention bounds, as it is drawn out upon the 
draught of the vacant lands." [St. Rec. L. E. 3, 273.] 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE FOURTH MONDAY IN JUNE, 1741. 

Voted and resolved, that the trustees of Ninegret, sachem, render 
an account of their trust to the next session of this Assembly. 
Whereas, George Ninegret, Indian sachem of the Narragansett 

* Old Ninegret, who reserved this land for his tribe and himself, died somewhere 
about 1722. He gave to the colony a quit-claim deed of all his vacant lands, except 
a tract bounded as aforesaid : Beginning at the mouth of Cross' mill brook, 
(anciently known as Davill's,) where it empties into the salt pond, aud thence from 
said brook on a straight line northerly to Pasquesett pond, and then along Pasque- 
sett brook until it joins the Pawcatuck river at Kenyon's Mills ; thence along the 
said river westward to Benjamin Burdick's bridge, (more recently called Brown's 
bridge at Burdickville ;) and thence southerly toward Wequopogue, a stream run- 
ning into Quonocontaug pond a little to the west of Quonocontaug Neck, and 
thence to the Post Road ; and then following said road eastward to Christopher 
Champlin's dwelling house, or very near it ; and from thence south to the salt pond, 
and so along the shore of said pond to the first mentioned bound. 



24 Town of Chaelestown. 

Indians, humbly requested of this honorable Assembly to appoint 
George Wanton, of Newport, in the county of Newport, merchant, 
one of his overseers, he being well assured of his fidelity and jus- 
tice in the management of his affairs ; 

Whereupon, it is voted and ordered, that the said George Wanton 
be, and he is hereby, appointed a trustee or overseer to the said 
sachem, to have the same power in all respects with the other 
trustees. 



PEOCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY, 
1741-42. 

Whereas, Rouse Helme, Esq., Messrs. Jeremiah Lippett and Job 
Tripp, Jr., were appointed a committee to audit the accounts of 
Col. Joseph Stanton, one of the trustees of the Indian sachem, and 
to make report thereon, which they accordingly did ; and reported 
that they found a balance due to the said Joseph Stanton of £142 
128. 3d., that he had advanced more than received, on account of 
the said sachem ; 

Voted and resolved, that Mr. Samuel Perry be, and he is hereby, 
dismissed from being a trustee to George Ninegret, the Indian 
sachem, the said sachem having desired the same. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE 18TH DAY OF JUNE, 1745. 

Whereas, George Ninegret, sachem of the Narragansett Indians, 
did represent to this General Assembly, that his late deceased 
brother, Charles Ninegret, (who was sachem of the said Narragan- 
sett Indians,) did, in his life time, give twenty acres of land as a 
glebe to and for the church of England, in Charlestown, in said 
colony ; but his said brother dying before he had made and execut- 
ed a deed for the same, the said George Ninegret therefore request- 
ed leave of the General Assembly, that he might, by a proper deed 
for that purpose, establish said twenty acres to and for said church ; 
and also, to give and convey twenty acres more of his land, in said 
Charlestown, for the same use, in such place as shall be agreed on 
by himself and trustees ; 

Upon consideration whereof, it is voted and enacted, that the 
said George Ninegret be, and he is hereby, allowed to pass a deed 
for the said twenty acres of land given by his said brother Charles 



Historical Sketch. 25 

Ninegret ; and also for the twenty acres of land that he gives him- 
self, to and for the use of the Church in Charlestown, aforesaid, in 
such place or places as he and his trustees shall think proper ; and 
that such deed or deeds, so given by him as aforesaid, shall be good 
and valid in the law, for the uses therein designed, to all intents 
and purposes whatever. 



PKOCEEDINGS OF THE GENERA.L ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT SOUTH KINGSTOWN, THE LAST WEDNESDAY OF 
OCTOBER, 1745. 

An Act was passed allowing George Ninegret, the Indian sa- 
chem, to sell a part of his land, for the payment of his debts, and the 
better support of his family. 

An Act empowering George Ninegret, the Indian sachem, (with 
the advice and consent of his trustees,) to exchange twenty acres of 
land in Charlestown, for the benefit of the Church of Eogland, in 
that town. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT NEWPORT, THE THIRD TUESDAY OF AUGUST, 
1747. 

An Act for incorporating the north part of the town of Charles- 
town, in King's County, into a township, the same to be distinguish- 
ed and known by the name of Richmond : 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of this Colony, and by 
the authority thereof it is enacted, that the town of Charlestown, 
in the county of King's County, &c., be divided into two towns, by 
a river that runs across said town, known by the name of Pawca- 
tuck River : all the lands to the southward of said river, shall re- 
tain the name of Charlestown ; and that all the lands to the north- 
ward of said river be, and hereby is, incorporated into a township, 
by the name of Richmond ; and to have and enjoy the like privi- 
leges as other towns in this colony. 

And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that each of 
said towns shall have and receive a proportion of the money in and 
belonging to the treasury of said Charlestown, according to the 
money for which the lands in each town is mortgaged to the colo- 



2Gf- Town op Chablestown. 

ny ; and that all Justices of the Peace and military officers living 
within the bounds of said new town, called Richmond, retain their 
authority, and act as such therein, until the next general election ; 
and that the eldest justice of each of said towns is hereby empow- 
ered to grant forth the warrants to some proper officer, whom they 
shall appoint to warn the inhabitants of said towns to assemble and 
meet together in some proper place, in said town, on Friday, the 
second day of this instant, August, in order to choose deputies to 
represent them at the October session of this Assembly, and also 
to choose town officers for said towns, agreeably to the laws of this 
colony; and that each town shall send one grand juror, and one 
petit juror, to each of the inferior and superior courts, in King's 
County. 

Whereas, Sarah Ninegret, widow of George Ninegret, late sa- 
chem of the Narragansett tribe of Indians, deceased, and mother 
and natural guardian to Thomas Ninegret, an infant, the present sa- 
chem of said tribe of Indians, with Tobey Coheys, Samuel Niles, 
John Trask, William Sachem, Ephraim Coheys, Moses Hammond, 
James Niles, and Harry Copper, who were appointed by the said 
tribe of Indians councillors for the present sachem, Thomas Nine- 
gret, in behalf of this sachem, themselves and people of said tribe 
of Indians, represented to this Assembly, that they, at the last 
sitting of this Assembly, in May last, did prefer a petition to said 
Assembly, setting forth the deplorable condition they are brought 
to by means of some gentlemen, namely, Joseph Whipple, Daniel 
Coggeshall, Samuel Perry, John Spencer, and David Anthony, 
Eeqs., who, as they are informed, were appointed by the General 
Assembly, trustees, at its session, A. D. 1746, for the management 
of the rents and profits of the estate, said by some to be submitted 
to this government by the late Ninegret, sachem, deceased, in the 
year 1713 ; but without the desire, consent, request or knowledge 
of the said Sarah, and the said councillors or sachem, which was al- 
ways usual, and such appointment was always at the request of the 
sachem and his council ; and having set forth in said petition, that 
the said trustees, without the knowledge and consent of the sachem 
or any of the councillors, have leased out the land, which was al- 
ways kept and reserved for the tribe of Indians, for planting of corn 
and raising other necessaries for their support. And the said 
Sarah and councillors further declared, that it is not only their 
fields and improvements, that they have fenced, and have been at 
great labor and charge in making said fences, that are rented out 
from them ; but also, as they are credibly informed, the wood land, 
which was always kept and reserved for the tribe of Indians fo; 



Historical Sketch. •fi? 

fire wood ; and also the sachem's cedar swamp, is rented out, which 
was always kept and reserved for the tribe of Indians, to cut stuff 
and sell the same ; and the said Sarah and councillors apprehend 
that when the General Assembly appointed the above-named trus- 
tees, for the care and management of the rents and profits of the 
estate submitted to this government, in the year 1713, by the late 
Ninegret, sachem, deceased, that the General Assembly had no de- 
sign nor intent to give the said trustees power to lease out the sa- 
chem's land without his knowledge and consent, and the knowledge 
and advice of his council ; and they likewise apprehended that the 
submission made by the sachem in the year 1713, (if any was made 
by him in that year,) doth not give the said trustees, or any others, 
power to lease out the sachem's land without his knowledge and 
consent ; they also informed this Assembly, that the gentlemen who 
were trustees to the late sachem, deceased, never leased out any of 
the said sachem's land without first having the leave and consent 
of the sachem and his council ; and as this Assembly have it in 
their power to relieve them in this their distressed condition, for 
they know not, as the case is, where to go, nor how to subsist them- 
selves, and must be unavoidably starved without relief ; 

Therefore, they humbly prayed that this Assembly would take 
their circumstances into consideration, and dismiss the above nam- 
ed trustees from their trusteeship, and make void all the leases 
given by said trustees of the sachem's land ; and that the Assembly 
would allow and accept of their known and trusty friends, Col. Jo- 
seph Stanton, Capt. George Wanton, and Capt. John Frye, to be 
trustees for the care and management of the sachem's estate, for 
the sachem's interest ; the last named gentlemen having been trus- 
tees to the late sachem ; and the said Sarah and councillors were 
knowing to the proceedings and management in that affair, and that 
their proceedings gave good satisfaction to the sachem, and a gen- 
eral satisfaction to the tribe of Indians, &c. 

Upon consideration whereof, it is voted and resolved, that the 
prayer of the said Sarah and councillors be, and it is hereby, grant- 
ed ; and that the said Joseph Whipple, Daniel Coggeshall, Samuel 
Perry, John Spencer, and David Anthony, be, and they are hereby, 
removed from their aforesaid office of trustees ; and that all the 
leases by them made, of the sachem's land, be, and they are hereby, 
declared and made null and void ; and the aforesaid Col. Joseph 
Stanton, Capt. George Wanton, and Capt. John Frye, are appoint- 
ed trustees, for the care and management of the sachem's estate, 
for his interest. 



28 Town of Charlestown. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT SOUTH KINGSTOWN, THE LAST TUESDAY IN 
FEBRUARY, 1751-52. 

Whereas, Col. Christopher Champlin, and Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, 
deputies of Charlestown, did, in behalf of said town, represent un- 
to this Assembly, that they are under great difficulty and disad- 
vantage, for want of some convenient harbor or landiog, for trans- 
portation, it being about sixteen miles from said town to Point Ju- 
dith Pier, and almost as far to Pawcatuck River, which places are 
the nearest harbors they have to depend on ; which they set forth 
to the General Assembly, some years past, who appointed a com- 
mittee to inppect into the circumstances of said affair, and find out 
whether said difficulty might not be remedied by turning a branch 
of Pawcatuck River into a large salt pond in said town ; which 
stream of water (when turned into said pond) will undoubtedly 
keep open a large breach running out of said pond into the sea ; 
that the committee did view and examine into the affair, and re- 
ported to the Assembly, that it might be very well effected, and 
that without an extraordinary charge, &e. ; that upon the report of 
said committee, the Assembly, in their wisdom, passed an act for 
turning said river, for the purpose aforesaid, on conditions which 
were not easily to be performed by the petitioners ; they being to 
procure sufficient bonds to make and maintain such and so many 
bridges as should become necessary and occasioned by turning 
said river ; and also to carry on the fourth part of said work, the 
other three parts to be done at the charge of the colony ; that now 
the conditions enjoined by said act of Assembly are performed, 
&c ; whereupon, they prayed to be directed to go on in the afore- 
said work, agreeably to the aforesaid act of Assembly ; and that the 
colony's part of the charge be paid out of the interests of the pre- 
sent bank, &c. ; and this Assembly having taken the premises into 
consideration, do vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolved, 
that Benjamin Hazard, Jeremiah Lippett, and Joseph Nichols, 
Esqs., together with Messrs. Joseph Harrison and Isaiah Wilkin- 
son, be, and they, or the major part of them, ai-e hereby appointed 
a committee, to inspect into all the circumstances relating to the 
aforementioned affair, and form an estimate of the cost and charge 
of performing said work, and report to this Assembly at their next 
session. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE SECOND MONDAY OF JUNE, 1753. 
An Act for the relief of Charles Ninegret, sachem, an infant. 



HisTOBicAL Sketch. 29 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
PROVIDENCE, THE lOTH DAY OF JANUARY, 1757. 

The Hon. Stephen Hopkins, Governor, the Hon. John Gardner, 
Deputy Governor. 

Whereas, Thomas Ninegret and several others, being part of the 
tribe of Indians living in Charlestown, preferred a petition, and re- 
presented unto this Assembly, that the said town of Charlestown, 
at a late quarter meeting, where but a small number of freemen 
were present, passed a vote obliging the said Indians to pay a part 
of the said town's proportion of the colony rate, which at this time 
is collecting ; and accordingly the rate makers have assessed them, 
and all the other Indians of the said town ; which being unusual, 
and, as they apprehend, a grievance, especially as they support 
their own poor without putting the town to any expense ; where- 
fore, they prayed to be relieved in such a way as may be thought 
proper ; on consideration whereof, 

Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority 
thereof it is enacted, that the tribe of Indians aforesaid, be, and 
they are hereby, exempted from paying any share or part of the 
rate or tax aforesaid ; and that the rate makera of the said town of 
Charlestown be, and they hereby are, directed and required to as- 
sess that part of the said town's proportion upon the white inhab- 
itants, that hath already been assessed upon the Indians of the 
said town. God save the King. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 

1758. 

Whereas, the Rev. Joseph Park, of Charlestown, in the county of 
King's County, presented this Assembly with a memorial, setting 
forth that he hath been ever ready to contribute all the assistance 
in his power to repel His Majesty's enemies from their injurious 
encroachments on his dominions and just rights in North America, 
and to defend the country ; that in the year 1756, he consented to 
the voluntary enlistment of three of his sons, who served in the ex- 
pedition formed for the reduction of Crown Point : that when they 
were discharged from the service, upon their return homeward, 
they put their clothing and other furniture, to the value of about 
£100, currency, in their chest, which was unfortunately lost in the 
sea ; that this summer, when the enemy attacked Fort William 



30 Town op Charlestown. 

Henry, they were substituted to go, and voluntarily went, in the 
stead of officers, who declined ; that they did this without any con- 
sideration, purely to serve their country, and oblige their friends ; 
that he, the memorialist, was thereby put to considerable charge, 
and received damage in his business ; wherefore, he prayed for 
such allowance as should be thought proper ; on consideration 
whereof. 

This Assembly do vote and resolve, and it is voted and resolved, 
that the sum of £100 be paid the said Joseph Park, out of the gen- 
eral treasury, for the use of his aforesaid sons, as an allowance for 
what they lost, as aforesaid ; but that nothing be allowed them as 
officers. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT EAST GREENWICH, ON THE 20TH DAY OF AUGUST, 
1759. 

An Act repealing all the laws of this colony, which restrict or 
prohibit the native Indians that live within the same, from dispos- 
ing of their lands. 

"Whereas, Thomas Ninegret, of Charlestown, in the county of 
King's County, and colony aforesaid, gentleman, preferred a peti- 
tion, and represented unto this Assembly, that having been unhap- 
pily engaged in several law suits, in defence of his right, he hath 
been obliged to advance large sums of money ; which, with other 
necessary expenses, he was put to for clothing, board, &3., during 
his minority, hath greatly involved him in debt ; and as the laws of 
the colony now stand, he cannot, in the apprehension of some, sell 
or dispose of bis estate for the payment and discharge of his debts ; 
wherefore, he, the said Thomas Ninegret, prayed that the law 
which relates to the purchasing lands of Indians, may be repealed, 
and he have the same liberty of selling and disposing of his estate, 
or any part thereof, as others of His Majesty's subjects enjoy ; on 
consideration whereof. 

Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority of 
the same it is enacted, that all and every of the laws at any time 
made and passed in this colony, to restrict or prohibit the native 
Indians, that live within the same, from selling and disposing of 
their estates, be, and they hereby are, repealed, declared and ren- 
dered null and void, to every intent and purpose, whatsoever. 



HiSTOEioAL Sketch. 3i 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERA.L ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT EAST GREENWICH, THE 23D DAY OF FEBRUARY, 
1761. 

Au Act for raising, by way of lottery, the sura of £20,000, in bills 
of credit, of the old tenor, to be appropriated for the turning one 
branch of the river called Pawcatuck River into the large pond in 
Charlestown. 

Whereas, Thomas Ninegret, Christopher Champlin, and others, 
inhabitants of the county of King's County, preferred a petition, 
and represented unto this Assembly, that the inhabitants living in 
several of the towns in the southern parts of this colony, are put 
to great trouble and expense in transporting to market the pro- 
duce of their farms by land, and bringing from market things ne- 
cessary for their families ; and whereas, there is in the town of 
Charlestown, a large pond, which may be made a good harbor for 
small vessels, and would be of great utility and advantage to the 
inhabitants, provided the communication of said pond with the sea 
could be kept open, which now is often interrupted ; and whereas, 
the said petitioners are well advised that the turning of one branch 
of a river, called Pawcatuck River, into the said pond, would effect- 
ually keep open the said communication, so that small vessels at all 
times could with ease and conveniency pass from and into said 
pond, would not only answer the ends and purposes aforesaid, but 
would be of great advantage to the inhabitants, in carrying on the 
codiishery, &e. 

Here follows the act and scheme of the lottery. The directors 
named in the act were Robert Potter, Gideon Hoxsey, John Cham- 
plin, Joseph Hoxsey, John Congdon, and Samuel Burdick, Jr. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, ON THE SECOND MONDAY OF JUNE, 1763. 

Whereas, a considerable number of the Narragansett tribe of In- 
dians, within this Colony, preferred a petition, and represented un- 
to this Assembly, that the land belonging to the said tribe of In- 
dians, which was reserved by old Ninegret, the Narragansett sa- 
chem, was by him reserved to and for his use, and the use of his 
said tribe and their children, forever ; that a law was passed in 
this Colony, to make void all grants, deeds and leases made by the 
sachem of said t?ibe, without the cousent aad approbation of the 



32 Town of Chahlestown. 

General Assembly ; that the said law, although it had been long in 
force, and proved very beneficial to said tribe, hath been lately re- 
pealed ; in consequence whereof, Thomas Ninegret, the present sa 
chem, hath, without the approbation of the General Assembly, or 
consent of said tribe, sold and conveyed away divers tracts of land 
belonging to said tribe, and is daily so doing ; by reason whereof, 
a great part of said tribe are in danger of being utterly deprived of 
the means of procuring a maintenance, and must either starve or 
become a town charge ; and thereupon, the petitioners prayed this 
Assembly to pass an act to prohibit the said sachem from selling 
any more of said lands from them, (especially their particular set- 
tlements,) without the consent, as formerly, of his tribe, and of the 
General Assembly ; and that until they can be heard by this As- 
sembly, the said sachem may be restricted from selling any of said 
lands. On consideration whereof, 

It is voted and resolved, that this petition be referred to the next 
session ; that Thomas Ninegret, the present sachem of said tribe, 
be served with a copy thereof, and cited to appear at the next ses- 
sion, to answer the same ; and that in the mean time, the said Thos. 
Ninegret be, and he is hereby, restricted and forbid to sell and dis- 
pose of any lands in the Narragansett country, upon any pretence 
whatever. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, ON THE FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST, 1763. 

Whereas, a number of the Narragansett tribe of Indians, in this 
Colony, preferred a petition to this Assembly, at the last session, 
which was referred to the present session ; on consideration where- 
of, 

It is voted and resolved, that Joseph Lippitt, Thomas Church, 
Job Randall, and John Barker, Esqs., and Mr. William Potter, be, 
and they are hereby, appointed a committee, to set off and bound 
the various tracts of land that heretofore have been appropriated, 
by the sachems of the Narragansett tribe of Indians, to that tribe, 
for their sole use, maintenance and support ; he, the sachem of said 
tribe, agreeing and consenting to give and execute a good and 
effectxial deed to said tribe ; and also liberty of passing and re 
passing on his lands to the pond and sea, for the advantage of fish- 
ing ; which the petitioners, in presence of the upper house of As- 
sembly, agreed to accept of. 



Historical Sketch. 33 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, ON THE SECOND MONDAY OF JUNE, 1764. 

Whereas, Joseph Lippitt, Thomas Church, Job Randall, and John 
Barker, Esqs., presented unto this Assembly the following report, 
to wit : 

Report of the Committee concerning the lands of the Narragan- 
sett tribe of Indians : 

We, the subscribers, with Mr. William Potter, being 
appointed by the Honorable General Assembly, at their session 
in August last, to set off and bound the various tracts of 
land that heretofore have been appropriated by the sachems of the 
Narragansett tribe of Indians to that tribe, for their sole use, main- 
tenance and support, &c., do report: That, agreeably to said ap- 
pointment, we have been and viewed the said lands ; and on exam- 
ining said Indians, and others, cannot find any lands set off or ap- 
propriated by the sachems to said tribe as a tribe ; but we find va- 
rious tracts or pieces of land, which have been set off to particular 
persons or families, amounting, in the whole, to between two and 
three thousand acres ; which, the sachem saith, ia what he meant 
to give and execute a deed of to said tribe, and is still willing to do 
it, according to his agreement and promise at said General Assem- 
bly ; but as there are large tracts of land, which are neither leased 
by the sachem, nor set off to any of the tribe, but seem to be in 
common, used when wanted, both by sachem and tribe, the peti- 
tioners insisting on that, or part of it, being set off with the rest. 
And whereas, there is a larger number of said tribe than the pe- 
titioners, who seem utterly against being set off, but choose to re- 
main with the sachem, as heretofore ; and say the petitioners may 
be set off by themselves, but they are not willing to be set off with 
them ; but we not having authority to set off any lands to part of 
the tribe, unless we could have persuaded them to agree where and 
how much ; so, after several days waiting on them, trying to get 
them to agree how much to set off, and where, but we could not, 
we were obliged to return, and do report as above said. 

All which is submitted by Joseph Lippitt, Thomas Church, Job 
Randall, John Barker. 

N. B. As the lands set off and improved by the tribe, or particu- 
lar persons, are intermixed with other lands, some leased, and 
others unimproved, we think, if it be set off from the other lands, 
it must be surveyed, which is a work of considerable time, 



34 Town of Charlebtown. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, ON THE LAST MONDAY IN JUNE, 1767. 

Whereas, a letter was laid before this Assembly, from Andrew 
Oliver, Esq., to His Honor the Governor, respecting a school house 
erected on the Indian lands, in the Narragansett country ; 

It is thereupon voted and resolved, that Thomas Ninegret, sachem 
of the Narragansett tribe of Indians, be notified by a citation from 
the secretary, directed to some proper officer, to appear at the next 
session ; and that, in the mean time, he do not by any means dis- 
pose of any of his lands ; and that His Honor the Governor be, and 
he is hereby, requested to write to Mr. Oliver, and inform him of 
this vote. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT SOUTH KINGSTOWN, THE LAST WEDNESDAY IN 
OCTOBER, 1767. 

It is voted and resolved, that Joseph Hazard, Daniel Coggeshall, 
James Helme, Benjamin Peckham, and Freeman Perry, Esqs., be, 
and they, or the major part of them, are hereby appointed a com- 
mittee, to advertise all persons who have any demands on Thomas 
Ninegret, sachem of the Narragansett tribe of Indians in this colo- 
ny, to bring in the same, upon oath, to the said committee ; who, 
with the assistance of the said sachem, and five of his council, are 
empowered to settle his accounts, and ascertain what is justly due 
to each person ; and also to sell and dispose of so much of the In- 
dian lands as may be sufficient to discharge the just debts, and 
also the charges arising on this affair. Provided, nevertheless, that 
the said committee shall inquire into his personal estate, and apply 
so much thereof as they shall think proper, for the payment of said 
debts, before they proceed to the sale of the lands. 

And it is further voted and resolved, that the said sachem be, 
and he is hereby, forever hereafter restricted from selling any more 
of said lands ; and that the same shall not be chargeable for any 
debts he shall hereafter contract. 

This Assembly, taking into consideration the letter from Andrew 
Oliver, Esq., laid before this Assembly at the last session, do vote 
and resolve, and by and with the consent of Thomas Ninegret, sa 
chem of the Narragansett tribe of Indians, in this colony, it is vot- 
ed and resolved, that the said Thomas Ninegret, and five of his 
council, make, execute and give, to the secretary of this colony, a 
^ood and legal deed of an island in a qertam swamp, in Qharles- 



Historical Sketch. 35 

town, in this colony, containing about three acres, whereon stands a 
school house, for the use of a school for said tribe of Indians, for- 
ever ; with the privilege of a convenient passage to and from the 
same ; that Matthew Robinson, Esq., be, and he is hereby, appoint- 
ed to draw the same deed, and see the same executed ; and that 
the whole charge accruing thei;eon be paid by said tribe. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
PROVIDENCE, THE LAST WEDNESDAY IN OCTOBER, 
1768. 

It is voted and resolved, that Thomas Ninegret, sachem of the 
Narragansett tribe of Indians, in conjunction with five of his coun- 
cilors, be allowed to sign, and in common form to execute, a deed 
or deeds, to any person or persons, of so much land, belonging to 
him and his said tribe, as will be sufficient to pay and discharge all 
his debts, as settled and allowed by the committee of this Assem- 
bly, in the October session, in the year 1767 ; thereby conveying 
to said purchaser or purchasers a,n estate in fee simple ; that as 
well the quantity of land so to be conveyed, be allowed by said 
committee, as also that the said committee do approve of the con- 
veyances, by signing said deeds, certifying under their hands, that 
they approve of the same. And it is the design and intent of this 
Assembly, that none of those lands may be taken, sold and dispos- 
ed of by the aforesaid sachem and his councilors, that are in the 
actual possession and under the particular separate improvement of 
any particular Indian or Indians, which they hold and use as their 
private parts or possessions. And it is further voted and resolved, 
that the said committee, or the major part of them, be, and they 
are hereby, authorized and empowered to take and receive all fur- 
ther claims and demands of debts which were contracted before the 
October session of the Assembly, in the year 1767, or from any of 
the creditors of the said sachem, within one month after the rising 
of this Assembly, and not after. And also said committee is here- 
by empowered to take and receive of and from the purchaser or 
purchasers of said lands, to be sold, as aforesaid, all and every sum 
and sums of money arising from the sale thereof, to and for the 
use of the said creditors of said sachem; and to pay said creditors 
their respective debts ; therewith taking full discharges therefor, 
from each creditor for his respective debt or debts ; and that the 
said committee be paid for their trouble out of said money rising 
from said sale, as this Assembly shall hereafter direct and order ; 



36 Town of Chaelestown. 

and the said committee render an account of their doings thereon, 
to this Assembly. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT EAST GREENWICH, ON THE LAST MONDAY IN 
FEBRUARY, 1769. 

Upon the petition of Thomas Ninegret, sachem of the Narragan- 
sett tribe of Indians, and six of his council — 

It is voted and resolved, that Joseph Hazard, Daniel Coggeshall, 
James Helme, Sylvester Robinson, and Freeman Perry, Esqs., be, 
and they, or the major part of them, are hereby, appointed a com- 
mittee, to complete the settling of the accounts of Thomas Nine- 
gret, sachem of the Narragansett tribe of Indians, in this colony, 
with 1 he assistance of five of his council ; and to sell and dispose of 
so much of the Indian land as will be sufficient to discharge his 
just debts ; that therein they follow the directions and orders of 
this Assembly, as contained in the votes of the General Assembly 
relating to said matters, at their session in October, 1767, and Oc- 
tober, 1768, with this addition, that they immediately proceed upon 
that business, and complete the same within three months after 
the rising of this Assembly ; and that they have full power there- 
in, and the same allowance therefor as the committee appointed by 
said votes heretofore made and passed. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, ON THE SECOND MONDAY OF JUNE, 1769. 

It is voted and resolved, that James Helme, Joseph Hazard, and 
Sylvester Robinson, Hpqs., be, and they are hereby, appointed a 
committee, to sell and dispose of the real estate of Thomas Nine- 
gret, Indian sachem, for the payment of his debts : and the same 
to do in three months from the rising of this Assembly, agreeably 
to the restrictions and votes already passed for that purpose. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT EAST GREENWICH, ON THE SECOND MONDAY IN 
SEPTEMBER, 1769. 

Whereas, James Daniel, William Sachem, David Phillip, Henry 
Harry, and Christopher Harry, the council of Thomas Ninegret, sa- 
chem of the Narragansett tribe of Indians, preferred a petition. 



HiSTOEiCAL Sketch. 37 

and represented unto this Assembly, that the committee appointed 
to make sale of the real estate of said Thomas Ninegret, for the 
payment of his just debts, have sold some of the said lands ; that 
it appears that the whole of his debts cannot be paid without sell- 
ing a piece of land called and known by the name of Fort Neck ; 
one part of which lies to the southward, and the other to the north- 
ward, of the post road ; that part lying to the southward being all 
the land belonging to the said Thomas Ninegret that joins to the 
Salt Pond, upon which all the said tribe depend for their fishing ; 
that when the committee were disposing of the land of the said 
Thomas Ninegret, he, together with the petitioners, considering 
that the tribe principally depended upon the fishery for a living, 
wanted to dispose of the said piece of land, called Fort Neck, to 
such person or persons as would be agreeable to them ; but that 
the committee, being of opinion that the said land must be dispos- 
ed of at public sale, could not allow them that privilege, and ad- 
journed to the 27th day of this instant, September ; and therefore 
they prayed this Assembly to grant them the liberty to sell and 
dispose of the said piece of land, called Fort Neck, to such person 
or persons as shall be agreeable to them, under the care and in- 
spection of the said committee, and at the value of the said land. 

And whereas, the petitioners further represented, that since the 
order of Assembly for selling the estate of the said Thomas Nine- 
gret, for the payment of his debts, he hath contracted other debts 
for his necessary subsistance ; and if it had not been for the favors 
he received from some particular friends, must have suffered ; that 
every person to whom he owed any sum which could be brought to 
a justice's court, hath sued him, and he hath been obliged to make 
over every thing he hath of personal estate, even to the clothes on 
his back, to prevent his going to jail for his small debts ; and that 
unless a sufficient quantity of land be sold to "pay the small de- 
mands against him, he must immediately go to jail ; and thereupon 
they further prayed, that the said committee may be empowered to 
sell a sufficient quantity of land to pay the just debts contracted 
by the said Thomas Ninegret since the General Assembly have re- 
strained him from disposing of his estate ; the demands against 
him being under the same inspection of the committee as those 
demands which were against him before the act of Assembly so re- 
straining him. And the premises being duly considered — 

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed at the 
last session, to sell and dispose of the real estate of Thomas Nine- 
gret, Indian sachem, for the payment of his debts, be, and they are 
hereby, continued a committee for that purpose ; and empowered 



38 Town of Charlestown. 

to complete the same, within three months after the rising of this 
Assembly. 

And it is further voted and resolved, that the said committee be, 
and they are hereby, empowered, with the consent of the said sa- 
chem and five of his council, to sell a sufficient quantity of the said 
sachem's lands to pay all the just debts he now oweth. 

And it is further voted and resolved, that the petitioners be, and 
they are hereby, empowered to sell and dispose of the said piece of 
land, called and known by the name of Fort Neck, to such person 
or persons as they shall think proper, either at public or private 
sale ; the money arising from the sale thereof to be paid to the 
committee, and to be appropriated to the payment of the said sa- 
chem's debts ; and the deeds of the estate or estates which shall 
be sold in pursuance of this act, shall be made and given in the 
same manner as is directed by an act of this Assembly, passed in 
October, A. D. 1768, appointing a committee to sell and dispose of 
the estate of the said Thomas Ninegret, for the payment of his 
debts. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
FOR THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVI- 
DENCE PLANTATIONS, AT SOUTH KINGSTOWN, ON 
THE LAST MONDAY IN FEBRUARY, 1770. 

Whereas, Esther Sachem, (calling herself queen of the tribe of 
Indians in this colony,) Thomas Sachem, her husband, and Henry 
Harry, with others, as her council, who preferred a petition unto 
this Assembly, praying that she, with her husband and council, 
and James Helme, Joseph Haszard, and Sylvester Robinson, Esqs., 
(who were a committee appointed by this Assembly, to dispose of 
the estate of Thomas Ninegret, deceased, late sachem of said tribe, 
for the payment of his debts,) may make a deed or deeds of the es- 
tate of the said Thomas Ninegret, for the payment of his just 
debts, in the same manner as the said Thomas Ninegret, in his life 
time, with his council, and the said committee, by act of Assembly, 
might have done ; and whereas, Samuel Niles and others, (calling 
themselves a council, appointed by said tribe, for transacting their 
public affairs,) did appear before this Assembly, and for the settle- 
ment of the disputes and differences subsisting in said tribe, did 
mutually agi'ee that the Hon. Joseph Wanton, Esq., the Hon. Ste- 
phen Hopkins, Esq., and Joseph Haszard, Esq., or any two of them, 
by their consent, and by order of this Assembly,) should be em- 
powered to inquire into the subject matter of their disputes, and in 



Historical Sketch. 39 

particular to ascertain and to set off all the lands which shall, upon 
inquiry and examination, appear to them to have been the lands or 
estates of the said Thomas Ninegret, deceased, for the payment 
and satisfaction of the debts due to his creditors and to his heirs, 
after such debts as are paid and satisfied ; that the expense of such 
inquiry and examination be equally paid by the said two parties ; 
and that the said report be made to this Assembly at the next ses- 
sion ; and the premises being duly considered ; 

Be it enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority 
thereof it is enacted, that the above recited agreement be, and here- 
by is, approved ; and that the said Joseph Wanton, Stephen Hop- 
kins, and Joseph Haszard, or any two of them, be empowered to do 
and transact every thing submitted to them by said agreement. 

And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that the 
above-named James Helme, Joseph Haszard, and Sylvester Robin- 
son, or any two of them, be empowered to take into their care and 
possession all such lands as shall be set off as the estate of the 
said Thomas Ninegret, deceased, and the same to improve, in such 
a manner as they shall think most for the interest of his heirs and 
creditors, until so much of them shall be disposed of as will be suf- 
ficient to satisfy and pay his just debts. God save the King. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
FOR THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVI- 
DENCE PLANTATIONS, AT NEWPORT, ON THE SEC- 
OND MONDAY IN JUNE, 1770. 

Whereas, Esther Sachem and Thomas Sachem preferred the fol- 
lowing petition unto this Assembly, to wit : 

Petition of Esther Sachem, and her husband, to the General As- 
sembly, relative to Thomas Ninegret, late sachem of the Narra- 
gansett tribe of Indians : 

To the Honorable General Assembly, to be holden at Newport, 
in the county of Newport, on the second Monday of June, A. D. 
1770, humbly show Esther Sachem of Charlestown, in King's 
county, who is heir-at-law to Thomas Ninegret, sachem of the Nar- 
ragansett tribe of Indians, together with her husband, Thomas 
Sachem, that the General Assembly did take the affairs of her de- 
ceased brother into their care, long before his death, and appoint- 
ed a committee to take an account of his debts, and dispose of so 
much of his lands as would discharge the debt against him ; who 
proceeded so far m to take an accoant of his debts, and to dispose 



40 Town of Charlestown. 

of a small part of his lands ; when the General Assembly interpos- 
ed, and appointed a new committee, to set off what did belong to 
the sachem, that should be sold to discharge the debts against the 
estate ; which said committee have done nothing ; that, as the 
affair hath been several years in this situation, the creditors to said 
estate are uneasy, and the principal part of said estate is under a 
heavy mortgage, and unless the General Assembly orders some- 
thing to be immediately done, all the creditors will sue at the Au- 
gust court ; and that the mortgage is now in suit, and hath been 
continued two terms, and must be yielded up at the rising of the 
August court, unless the affair can be settled before ; besides, the 
debts are apon interest, and increase fast, which, with the charges 
of two law suits, will swallow up the whole estate, if speedy reme- 
dy be not taken. 

Therefore, they humbly pray the General Assembly to take their 
distressed circumstances into consideration, and order the last ap- 
pointed committee to proceed immediately, and set off what lands 
shall be sold ; and upon their setting off said land, that the former 
committee immediately proceed to dispose of the lands, and pay the 
demands against the estate, so far as the General Assembly have 
ordered them to be pa id. 

And they, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 

Esther Sachem, her M mark. 

Thomas Sachem, his X mark. 
July 11th, 1770. 

On consideration whereof, it is voted and resolved, that the fore- 
going petition be, and hereby is, granted. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
FOR THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVI- 
DENCE PLANTATIONS, AT EAST GREENWICH, ON 
THE SECOND MONDAY IN SEPTEMBER, 1770. 

The Hon. Joseph Wanton, Governor ; the Hon. Darius Sessions, 
Deputy Governor. 

Whereas, the Hon. Stephen Hopkins, Esq., and Joseph Haszard, 
Esq., presented unto this Assembly the following report, to wit : 
Report of the Committee appointed by the General Assembly, rela- 
tive to the affairs of the Narragansett tribe of Indians : 
We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee, by the Gen- 
eral Assembly, to inquire into some disputes subsisting among the 
Narragansett tribe of Indians, and to endeavor to settle the same, 
do report ; 



Historical Sketch. 41 

That we repaired into the Indian country, convened all the prin- 
cipal Indians there before us, and prevailed with them all to agree, 
that as much of their land may be sold as will pay the late sachem 
Thomas' debts ; provided, that no land be sold for that purpose 
but such as the tribe shall appoint ; and that the General Assem- 
bly pass an act, that no more of the Indian lands may be sold after- 
wards, upon any pretence whatsoever. 

The Indians requested that the committee appointed to adjust 
the sachem Thomas' debts may be empowered to examine for what 
the debts became due, notwithstanding they may now be reduced 
to mortgages, bonds, notes, &c., suggesting great impositions 
therein. The Indians further requested, that the General Assem- 
bly would appoint two of them to be Justices of the Peace, for pun- 
ishing drunkenness, breach of the peace, and other offences 
amongst themselves. Then the Indians pointed out the following 
parcels of land to be sold : 

1. The large house the late sachem Thomas lived in, with twen- 
ty-six acres of land adjacent to it. 

2. The house the late sachem George dwelt in, with about sixty 
acres of land about it. 

3. A tract of land, heretofore sold at vendue to Isaac Nye, but 
not yet measured, nor any deed given. 

4. A small piece of land in possession of James Perry. 

5. A small piece of land in possession of Joseph Hoxsie. 

6. Nine acres and a half of land lying by a place called Well- 
share. 

And lastly, as much of the Cedar Swamp as will complete the 
payment of Thomas' debts. 

Finally, the Indians did agree and promise to provide as good a 
support for the remaining branches of the royal family, as the 
small remains of their public lands, and the loyal affections of a 
poor people, can admit. 

All which agreements and requisitions we promised the Indians 
to recommend to the General Assembly as fit to be confirmed and 
granted. And we do accordingly recommend them as worthy the 
notice and approbation of the General Assembly, and presume to 
subscribe ourselves, 

Their faithful servants, 

Stephen Hopkins, 
Joseph Haszard, 
East Greenwich, Sept, 10th, 1770. 



42 Town or Charlestown. 

And the Baid report being duly considered, it is voted and re- 
solved, that the same be, and hereby is, accepted and approved ; 
excepting that part thereof recommending it to the General Assem- 
bly to appoint Indian Justices of the Peace, which is disapproved 
by this Assembly. 

It is further voted and resolved, that the several pieces and par- 
cels of land and estates mentioned in the said report, be sold for 
paying the late sachem Thomas' debts ; and that no other of the 
Indian lands be thereafter sold, on any pretence whatever. 

It is further voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to 
adjust the said sachem Thomas' debts, and to sell the lands for 
payment thereof, be, and they are hereby, empowered to examine 
how the debts became due, notwithstanding they may now be re- 
duced to mortgages, bonds, notes, or judgments of courts, which 
have been obtained by default ; that no more of said debts be paid 
than shall appear to be justly due ; and that the said committee be, 
and they are hereby, empowered to defend against all actions that 
have been, or shall be, brought against the late sachem Thomas' 
estate ; and that all expenses and costs attending the defending 
in any action brought, or that may be brought, against the said 
estate, shall be defrayed out of the said estate. 

And it is further voted and resolved, that the Hon. Stephen 
Hopkins, Esq., be, and he is hereby, added to the committee ap- 
pointed to adjust the debts of the said Thomas, to examine how 
they became due, and to sell and dispose of the lands for the pay- 
ment thereof. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
PROVIDENCE, ON THE LAST MONDAY IN OCTOBER, 
1770. 

Whereas, this Assembly, at their session in October, 1767, passed 
an act, appointing Matthew Robinson, Esq., to draw a deed, to be 
executed by Thomas Ninegret, late sachem of the Narragansett 
tribe of Indians in this colony, and five of his council, to the Sec- 
retary, of an island in Charlestown, for the use of a school for the 
said tribe of Indians, and to see the same executed, &c., as by the 
said act will appear ; and whereas, the said Thomas Ninegret hath 
since deceased without having executed the said deed ; 

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the said act be revived, 
and that the present Queen of taid tribe, with five of her couocil, 
be, and they are hereby, fully empowered to make, execute and give 
puch a deed as in the said act is mentioned. 



HisTOEiCAii Sketch. 43 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF MAY, 1771. 

Whereas, the General Assembly did heretofore appoint the Hon. 
Stephen Hopkins, Esq., James Helme, Esq., Joseph Haszard, Esq., 
and Sylvester Robinson, Esq., a committee, they, or the major part 
of them, to settle and adjust the accounts and demands of the 
creditors of Thomas Ninegret, late sachem of the Narragansett 
tribe of Indians, in this colony, and to assist in the sale of so much 
of his lands as would discharge his debts, and the necessary expense 
attending said affair ; and whereas, the said sachem is since de- 
ceased, and proper deeds of sundry tracts of land bargained and 
sold for that purpose were not in the life-time of said sachem duly 
made and executed to the purchasers of said lands. Be it therefore 
enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority of the 
same it is enacted, that the aforesaid committee, or the major part 
of them, together with the council of the said late sachem, or the 
major part of them, make and execute deeds of so much of the 
lands of said sachem as will be sufficient for the purpose aforesaid. 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
NEWPORT, THE FIRST WEDNESDAY OF MAY, 1772. 

Whereas, Henry Harry, Christdpher Harry, James Daniel, Samuel 
Niles, James Niles, Ephraim Coheas, Thomas Lewis, John Shat- 
tock, and Joseph Tucky, the council for the tribe of Narragansett 
Indians, in this colony, represented unto this Assembly, that they 
are all of opinion it will be best to sell the little house, and the two 
acre lot, and the wood lot, (the exact quantity not being ascertain- 
ed,) and as much of Fort Neck as will pay all Thomas Ninegret's 
just debts ; and that they are all of one mind, to sell so much of 
Fort Neck as will pay those debts, and to reserve the lands which 
will be left to support all their poor ; in consideration whereof, 

It is voted and resolved, that the committee appointed to sell a 
part t>f the real estate of Thomas Ninegret, the late sachem, for 
the payment of his debts, proceed to do the same, agreeably to the 
above-mentioned proposal. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD AT 
PROVIDENCE, ON THE SECOND MONDAY IN DECEM- 
BER, 1772. 

Whereas, two of the council of the Narragansett tribe of Indians, 



44 Town of Chaelestown. 

in this colony, are dead, and William Sachem (one of the said 
council) refaseth to sign the deeds for the sale of the lands of 
Thomas Ninegret, deceased, late sachem of the said tribe ; 

It is therefore voted and resolved, that the committee appointed 
to settle the estate of the said Thomas Ninegret, with two of the 
survivicg council of the Indians, make and execute a deed or 
deeds of the lands they have already sold, or may hereafter sell, to 
pay the said Ninegret's debts ; and that such deed or deeds be as 
good and valid, to all intents and purposes, as though the said 
deed or deeds had been made and executed by the committee and 
all the Indian council. 

PKOCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HELD 
AT NEWPORT, ON THE THIRD MONDAY IN AUGUST, 
1773. 

Whereas, the following petition, signed by forty-three Indians of 
the Narragansett Tribe in this colony, was presented unto this 
Assembly, to wit : 

Petition of the Narragansett Tribe of Indians to the General As- 
sembly. 

To the Honorable the General Assembly of His Majesty's colony 
of Rhode Island, holden at Newport, the third Monday of August^ 
1773, the petition of us, the subscribers, Indians of the Narragan- 
sett Tribe, in said colony, humbly showeth : 

That some of our late sachems, through extravagance and indis- 
cretion, had heretofore run themselves largely in debt ; and for the 
discharging those debts we have consented to the sale of the 
greatest part of the most valuable lands belonging to the tribe ; so 
that there now remaineth only one small piece of Fort Neck, by 
which they can get to the salt water, from which they fetch great 
part of the support of themselves and families. And being informed 
by the honorable committee appointed by the Assembly to settle 
the accounts and discharge the debts of the late sachem Thomas 
Ninegret, deceased, that they apprehend that they, with our con- 
sent, have sold lands sufiScient to discharge the whole of said debts ; 
we therefore humbly petition this honorable Assembly to pass an 
act to secure to the said tribe, forever, as well the said small part 
of Fort Neck, as all the other lands now of right belonging to 
them ; and that the same be not, for the future, liable to the pay- 
ment of debts. 

We would further represent to this honorable Assembly, that 
when the late sachem Ninegret, by his deed of the 28th of March, 



Historical Sketch. 45 

1709, in consideration of the protection of the colony, resigned to 
the Governor and Company of said colony, the lands then called 
the vacant lands, he, by the same deed, excepted and reserved to 
himself, for the use of the tribe, a certain tract of land, bounded 
on the east as followeth, that is to say : " Beginning at the brook 
where Joseph Davil's mill standeth, and runs into the Great Salt 
Pond ; and so, from said brook on a straight light, northerly, to 
Pasqueset Pond, and by the brook that runs out of Pasqueset 
Pond into Pawcatuck River." That soon after, and while the in- 
tent of the parties was well known, by order and direction of the 
late Col. Joseph Stanton, and others of the committee appointed 
by the General Assembly to oversee the Indian affairs, the line was 
run from the said brook to Pasqueset Pond, and bounds made. 
That afterwards, some persons, who claimed lands to the eastward 
of said line, caused another line to be run from the most western- 
most parts of said brook, viz : Cross' Mill Dam, to Pasqueset 
Pond. By the running of which last mentioned line, as well the 
burying ground and graves of our ancient sachems and fathers, as 
also several hundred acres of land, which were not intended to be 
granted by the deed aforesaid, are claimed, and, against right, held 
from the Indians, by sundry persons in Charlestown. We, there- 
fore, humbly pray this honorable Assembly to authorize and em- 
power the committee for settling the affairs of the late sachem 
Thomas Ninegret, or some one or more of them, to cause an exact 
survey of the said lines, and so much of the brook and Pasqueset 
Pond as may be necessary to illustrate the facts, to be taken ; and 
that a draught thereof be laid before this honorable Assembly, for 
their advisement thereon. 

And we do, on this occasion, approach the General Assembly 
with the greater confidence, because we look upon them as our 
guardians and protectors, agreeably to the consideration of the 
sachem Ninegret. The granting our prayer will oblige your peti- 
tioners, as in duty bound, ever to pray, &c. 

And the said petition being duly considered, it is voted and re- 
solved, that the same be, and hereby is, granted ; that all the lands 
now of right belonging to the said tribe, be secured to them ; and 
that the same, or any part thereof, shall not, for the future, be liable 
to the payment of any debts. That James Helme, Esq , or some 
other of the committee appointed for settling the accounts of the 
late sachem Thomas Ninegret, cause a survey of the lines of the 
lands claimed by the said tribe, and the lands claimed by some 
other persons in Charlestown, and held from the said tribe (as it is 
said in the said petition) against right ; that a draught of the same 



46 Town of Charlestown. 

be laid before this Assembly at the next session ; that he be, and 
hereby is, empowered to summon and swear witnesses respecting 
the same. That the secretary cause notifications to be set up in 
one or more public places in Charlestown, notifying the persons 
claiming said lands, to appear before the next session of Assembly, 
to be then heard thereon ; and that the colony be at no charge 
respecting this affair, but that the charge thereof be paid by the 
said tribe. 

AID TO THE POOR OF BOSTON. 

On the 20th of Dec, 1774, Joseph Hoxsie and Christopher Bab- 
cock were appointed a committee to receive donations of the peo- 
ple of CharlestowQ, consisting of sheep and money, and to trans- 
mit the same to a committee chosen by the town of Boston. This 
committee were authorized to receive donations for the relief of 
those who were suffering by the reason of the Act commonly called 
the " Boston Port Bill." On the last day of March, 1774, the Bos- 
ton Port Bill was passed by Parliament. It was enacted, that no 
kind of merchandise should any longer be landed or shipped at the 
wharves of Boston. The custom-house was removed to Salem, but 
the people of that town refused the benefits which were proffered 
by the hand of tyranny. To what extent the generosity of the in- 
habitants of Charlestown was extended to the people of Boston, I 
do not know ; but it is gratifying to understand, that something 
was done to mitigate the sufferings of the people. Daring this 
period, the little girl in Connecticut sent her pet lamb, with a rib- 
bon tied around its neck, to the poor of Boston. This has been the 
poets' theme, and many pieces have been written about Mary's 
little lamb. 

THE PEQUOT INDIANS. 

The Pequots occupied the neighborhood of New London, Groton 
and Stonington, with the Mohegans on the north of them. Sassa- 
cus, their sachem, had a strong fort between New London and 
Mystic River. The Pequots were considered to be the most war- 
like and cruel of all the New England tribes. The terrible murders 
perpetrated by them, and the awful tortures which they inflicted 
upon their English captives, were sure warnings to the white peo- 
ple, that something must be speedily done to check them, or the 
colonists would be totally annihilated. 

On the first day of May, 1637, the General Court of Connecticut, 
assembled at Hartford, declared war against the Pequots, raised an 



Historical Sketch. 47 

army of ninety men, and appointed Captain John Mason command- 
er-in-chief of the expedition. The soldiers were enlisted, and sailed 
from Hartford, May 10th, 1637, accompanied by Uncas and seventy 
friendly Indians. The little fleet, which consisted of three vessels, 
met adverse winds, and finally sailed into Narragansett Bay. Here, 
on Tuesday evening, May 23d, the gallant little band landed, and 
immediately set out for the residence of Miantinomo. Mason 
marched the next morning, May 24th, for the Pequot fort. As he 
proceeded on his journey, he was reinforced by a large party of 
Narragansetts sent on by Miantinomo. Their line of 
march from Narragansett was along the old Indian path, 
traveled from time immemorial by the Indians, and which was 
the great highway for all the travel from Boston, and the north and 
east, to Connecticut and New York ; following the course of the 
shore, perhaps very near the route of the present Post Road, 
through Tower Hill, Wakefield, Charlestown and Westerly. Mason 
reached the Niantic Fort* the next evening. May 24th, which he sur- 

* THE NIANTIC FORT. 

The Niantic Fort, alluded to by Capt. Mason during his famous march from Nar- 
ragansett Bay, near Wickford, to Westerly, in 1637, was built on Fort Neck, which 
is about twelve miles to the east of Westerly, and perhaps eighty rods to the south- 
west of Cross' Mills. The land has steep banks on the south side, next to the 
water, and it piojects into Pawaget or Charlestown Pond. The remains of the old 
fortress are still visible, with traces of ditches, and a wall of stone and earth. It 
was torn down by the white people, and the larger part of the stones used in build- 
ing a wall to inclose the land. This fort contained three-fourths of an acre, and 
appears in the form of a squai'e. There were three bastions, twenty feet square, 
one on each of three angles or corners, which completely covered the ditches and 
walls of the fort. It appears that the main entrance to the fort was reached at 
the south corner, near the pond, and the only corner without a bastion. On the 
24th of May, 1637, while Mason and his troops halted here, it was then garrisoned 
by a large body of the Niantics, who would not allow any of Mason's men to enter 
the fortification. Undoubtedly, it was a strong and well fortified position. Here, 
then, is one particular instance on record, in which the condition of the Niantic 
fort was known to the EngHsh. 

SHtnaUNCANUC FORT. 

There is now to be seen, in the western part of Shumuncanuc, on the land known 
as the George N. Crandall estate, and between Watchaug Pond and Burdickville, 
the remains of an old fortress, which resembles very much the one erected at Fort 
Neck, both in size and construction ; but unlike the former in one respect, it had 
no bastions. The probability is, that these two forts were designed and construct- 
ed by the same tribe. This fort measured sixty yards square, and inclosed three- 
fourths of an acre of land. Tradition informs us, that this fort was built by the 
Niantics, as a protection to their fishing privileges, and a defense against the Pe- 
quots. The remains of this work are now faintly visible, and in a few years more, 
they will be removed by the ravages of time beyond the recognition of man. It 
was in this locahty that the sachem Ninegret, who died soon after King Philip's 
war, or about the year 1676, lived and exercised kingly sway over his subjects. On 
hia death, his first daughter succeeded him, and the ceremonies of her inaugura- 



48 Town or Charlestown. 

rounded until morning, to prevent any treachery by the Niantics, 
when, after a fatiguing march of twelve miles, he reached the ford- 
ing place in Pawcatuck river. After dinner. Mason continued his 
march on to Taugwonk, in Stonington. Here he halted, and learn- 
ed for the first time, that the Pequots had two very strong forts. 
He, however, resolved to move on and attack the fort at Mystic. 
The guides brought them to the fort, two hours before light, May 
26th, 1637. Mason went forward, and when within a rod of the 
fort, was discovered by a Pequot, who cried out, " Owanux ! Owa- 
nux !" Englishmen ! Englishmen ! 

A hand to hand contest ensued ; the wigwams and fortress were 
set on fire ; and at this time the destruction was terrible beyond 
any human description. The number thus destroyed was about 
400, the result of which was the complete overthrow of the Pequots 
as a tribe, and the consequent salvation of the English settlement 
on the Connecticut river. The English, in their retreat, were 
attacked by the enerny from the other fort at Weinshawks, but re- 
pulsed them with great slaughter. It was estimated that six or 
seven hundred perished in this fire and fight. Sassacus, their 
great sachem, fled to the Mohawks, who put him to death at the 
instigation of the Narragansetts. Thus the Pequot nation passed 
away. 

THE NARRAGANSETT SACHEMS. 

Canonicus was the Grand Sachem of the Narragansetts when the 
whites settled at Plymouth. History gives no account of his pre- 
decessors. It commences with him. He died June 4th, 1647. 
Miantinomo was his nephew, son of his brother Mascus. Canoni- 
cus, in bis advanced age, admitted Miantinomo into the govern- 
ment, and they administered the sachemdom jointly. In the war 
between the Narragansetts and Mohegans, in 1643, Miantinomo 
was captured by Uncas, the Sachem of the Mohegans, and execut- 
ed. Pessecus, the brother of Miantinomo, was then admitted Sa- 
chem with Canonicus. He was put to death by the Mohawks, in 
1676. Canonchet, the son of the brave but unfortunate Miantino- 
mo, was the last Sachem of the race. He commanded the Indians 

tion took place at Chemunganock, which is now changed to Shumuncanuc. After 
the death of the Queen, her half brother Ninegret succeeded her, and reigned un- 
til his death, or about 1722. The Niantics, their wigwams and their fortresses, have 
been swept away from the earth. We can now clearly understand, from the wild 
and romantic appearance of the country, that the advantages for hunting and fish- 
ing, which induced the poor Indians to dwell here, were far superior to those of 
any other. 



Historical Skktch. 49 

at the Great Swamp Fight, in 1675. This battle exterminated the 
Narragansetts as a nation. He was captured near the Blackstone 
Eiver, after the war, and executed for the crime of defending his 
country, and refusing to surrender the territory of his ancestors 
by a treaty of peace. It was glory enough for a nation to have ex- 
pired with such a chief. The coolness, fortitude, and heroism of 
his fall stands without a parallel in ancient or modern times. He 
was o£fered life upon the condition that he would treat for the 
submission of his subjects ; his untamed spirit indignantly rejected 
the ignominious proposition. And when he was told his sentence 
was to die, " he said he liked it well, that he should die before his 
heart was soft, or he had spoken any thing unworthy of himself." 
His head was cut o£f, and sent to Hartford. The rest of his body 
was burnt. This ended the last chief of the Narragansetts, and 
with Canonchet the nation was extinguished forever. 

THE ROYAL HEADS OF THE NIANTIC TRIBE. 

Ninigret was the Sachem or Sagamore of the Nyantics, or the 
Westerly Tribe, and since the division of that town, now styled the 
Charlestown Tribe. Ninigret was tributary to Canonicus, Mianti- 
nomo, and his successors. He was only collaterally related to the 
family of Canonicus ; Quaiapeu, Ninigret's sister, having married 
Maxanno, the son of Canonicus. The whites purchased Ninigret's 
neutrality, during the Indian war of 1675, and for his treachery to 
his paramount sovereign and his race, the " Tribe Land " in Char- 
lestown was allotted to him and his heirs forever, as the price of 
the treason. The Ninigret Tribe never were the real Narragan- 
setts, whose name they bear. It is a libel on their glory, and their 
graves, for them to have assumed it. Not one drop of the blood of 
Canonicus, Miantinomo, or Canonchet, ever coursed in the veins of 
a Sachem who could sit neuter in his wigwam, and hear the guns 
and see the conflagration ascending from the fortress that was ex- 
terminating their nation forever. Ninigret died soon after the war. 
From this Ninigret, the succeeding Indian Sachems were descend- 
ed. By one wife he had a daughter, and by another he had a son, 
Ninigret, and two daughters ; one of which is sometimes designat- 
ed as the Old Queen. On Ninigret's death, the first-named daugh- . 
ter succeeded him, and the ceremonies of her inauguration took 
place at Chemunganock, now known as Shumuncanuc. These cere 
monies were the presentation of peage and other presents, aa an ac- 
knowledgment of authority ; and sometimes a belt of peage was 
publicly placed on the Sachem's head, as an ensign of rank. On 



50 Town of CnARLESTovra. 

her death, her half brother Ninigret succeeded. He died some 
where about 1722. His Will is dated 1716-17. He left two sons, 
Charles and George Augustus Ninigret. The former succeeded as 
Sachem, and dying, left an infant son Charles, who was acknowl- 
edged as Sachem by a portion of the tribe, but the greater part ad- 
hered to George, his uncle, as being of pure royal blood. The dis- 
pute was encouraged by diflferent white people, who wished to ob- 
tain an influence over the tribe, and to purchase their lands ; and 
seems to have been ended only by the death of young Charles. 
George Augustus was acknowledged as Sachem in 1735. He left a 
widow and three children, Thomas, George and Esther. 

On Thursday, the 6th of Sept., 1750, the bans of marriage being 
duly published at the church of St. Paul's, in Narragansett, no ob- 
jection being made, John Anthony, an Indian man, was married to 
Sarah George, an Indian woman, the widow and Dowager Queen of 
George (Augustus) Ninigret, deceased, by Dr. McSparran. Thom- 
as (commonly known as King Tom) was born in 1736, and succeed- 
ed as Sachem in July, 1746. While he was Sachem, much of the 
Indian land was sold, and a considerable part of the tribe emigrat- 
ed to the State of New York, and joined the Indians there. 

William Kenyon, late of Charlestown, deceased, in a statement to 
Wilkins Updike, says : " I knew King Tom Ninigret ; he had a 
son named Tom, his only child. He went away, and died before 
his father. Tom's brother George having died, the crown descend- 
ed to Esther, the next heir. I (continued Mr. Kenyon) saw her 
crowned, over seventy years ago. She was elevated on a large rock, 
so that the people might see her ; the council surrounded her. 
There were present about twenty Indian soldiers with guns. They 
marched her to the rock. The Indians nearest the royal blood, in 
presence of her councillors, put the crown on her head. It was 
made of cloth, covered with blue and white peage. When the 
crown was put on, the soldiers fired a royal salute, and huzzaed in 
the Indian tongue. The ceremony was imposing, and every thing 
was conducted with great order. Then the soldiers waited on her 
to her house, and fired salutes. There were 500 natives present, 
besides others. Queen Esther left one son, named George ; he 
was crowned after the death of his mother. I was one of the jury 
of inquest, (continues Mr. Kenyon,) that sat on the body of George. 
He was about 22 years old when he was killed. He was where 
some persons were cutting trees. One tree had lodged against 
another, and in cutting that one it fell, and caught against a third, 
and George, undertaking to escape, a sharp knee struck him on the 
laead, and killed him ; a foot either way would have saved him, 



Historical Sketch. 51 

No King was ever crowned after him, and not an Indian of the 
whole blood now remains in the tribe.'' 

Thomas Ninigret, who was better known as King Tom, was born 
in 1736, and succeeded as Sachem in July, 1746. At the age of ten 
years, he was crowned king of the Niantics. He received a common 
school education in England, where he was sent by his nation ; and 
on his return from school, he brought a draft of a house with him ; 
and soon afterward built the structure known as the Sachem house, 
which served him as a dwelling place during the remainder of his 
days. It is commonly reported among the people, that Thomas 
Ninigret was a large, fleshy man ; that he had an uncommon appe- 
tite for strong drink ; and that he became a confirmed inebriate to- 
ward the last years of his life. His wife, and Thomas Ninigret, his 
only son, left him and emigrated to the West. Idleness and intem- 
perance soon reduced him to poverty and wretchedness. His au- 
thority was denied him ; his friends deserted him ; and, in brief, 
the most of his property passed out of his hands to cancel his 
debts. He died some time between the second Monday in Septem- 
ber, 1769, and the last Monday in February, 1770. Very soon af- 
ter his death, a considerable portion of the tribe lands was sold to 
defray his expenses. The King's mansion was purchased by Na- 
than Kenyon, Esq., and from him it descended to James Kenyon, 
his son, and finally to James Nichols Kenyon, his grandson, the 
present proprietor. 

Esther Ninigret, the only sister of Thomas Ninigret, married 
Thomas Sachem ; and by him she had a son named George, who 
met with a tragical fate. The coronation of Queen Esther occurred 
as early as 1770, according to the best information that can be ob- 
tained. The rock on which she was elevated by her friends and 
councilors, preparatory to the reception of the crown, is situated 
about twelve rods to the north of the late Thomas Ninigret's resi- 
dence. It is an isolated rock, projecting about three feet above the 
ground, well adapted to such occasion ; and it has become famous 
for this event. 

George Sachem, who met a premature death by a tree falling up- 
on him, was the son of Queen Esther. The place, which has often 
been pointed out to me, where he was killed, is located about sixty 
rods to the north of the school house pond, and at nearly the same 
distance from the child-crying rocks. I cannot understand, from 
any source, that he was ever crowned, although Mr. Wm. Kenyon, 
of Charlestown, made the assertion many years ago. But in his 
death, when his sun went down to rise no more, the nation's last 
and final hope expired. 



52 Town of Charlestown. 

CHARLESTOWN, HOPKINTON AND RICHMOND. 

The Towns of Charlestown, Hopkinton and Richmond were for- 
merly included in the township of Westerly. The town of Wester- 
ly was incorporated in 1669, and was then the fifth town in the 
Colony of Rhode Island. 

An act was passed, August 22d, 1738, by the General Assembly, 
held at Newport, dividing the town of Westerly into two towns, the 
same to be known and distinguished by the names of Westerly and 
Charlestown. At this period, Charlestown extended from Westerly 
on the west, to South Kingstown on the east ; and from the town 
of Exeter on the north, to the Atlantic Ocean on the south. 

But on the 18th day of August, 1747, an act was likewise passed 
dividing the town of Charlestown into two divisions, to be distin- 
guished by the names of Charlestown and Richmond ; aad the Paw- 
catuck River was selected as a natural and fixed boundary between 
the two towns. At the first census, taken in 1748, Charlestown 
had a population of 1,002 ; and in 1774 a population of 1,821 ; 
while the present population, according to the last census, taken in 
1875, is 1,054. 

At the first Town Meeting held in Charlestown, Sept. 4th, 1738, 
the following oflSeers were elected : 

Moderator — Justice Samuel Perry. 

Town Clerk— Wm. Clark, who held that office from 1738 to 1747, 
the year in which Richmond Town was set off from Charlestown. 

Town Council — Col. Joseph Stanton, Capt. Wm. Clark, Capt. 
John Hill, John Hoxsie, Capt. Daniel Stanton, Justice Samuel Wil- 
bur. 

Town Treasurer — John Hoxsie. 

Town Sergeant — Nathaniel Potter. 

Constables — James York, John Kenyon, Jr. 

Assessors of Taxes — Capt. John Hill, Justice Samuel Perry. 

Overseers of the Poor — John Hoxsie, Thomas Stanton. 

Town Surveyor — Joseph Stanton, Jr. 

1st Deputy — Col. Joseph Stanton. 

2d Deputy — Samuel Perry. 

Surveyors of Highways and Fence Viewers — Thomas Stanton, 
Isaac Sheffield, Joseph Clark, Joseph Hoxsie, John Kenyon, John 
Webster. 

Flax Viewers — Thomas Stanton, John Hoxsie, Joseph Eanos, 
Isaac Sheffield, Wm. James. 

Viewer of Codfish, Bone and Oil — Henry Green. 



Historical Sketch. 63 

Sealer of Weights and Measures, and Packer of Fish — William 
Bently. 

Grand Juror — John Knowles. 
Petty Juror — Wm. King. 

The following is a list of persons who hold office at the present 
time, July 4th, 1876 : 

Senator — Hon. George C. James. 

Representative — Hon. Charles Cross. 

School Committee — Elisha S. Peckham, Chairman ; John A. Wil- 
cox, M. D., Clerk ; Wm. F. Tucker, Superintendent. 

Surveyors of Highways — 
Dist. No. 1. Nathan K. Foster. Dist. No. 12. Jason P. Green. 

2. Stanton S. Green. 13. Bowen Briggs, Jr. 

3. Samuel Browning. 14. Jesse B. Reynolds. 

4. Horace Wilcox. 15. George F. Burdick. 

5. Benj. Tucker. 16. Charles D. Ennis. 

6. George W. Kenyon. 17. Charles Burdick. 

7. Thomas Johnson. 18. James W. Hoxsie. 

8. Green Card. 19. B. D. Macomber. 

9. Gardner W. Sullivan. 20. Gideon P. G. Hoxsie. 

10. Elisha S. Peckham. 21. David C. Kenyon. 

11. Amos P. Greene. 22. Edward T. Burdick. 

23. Joseph A. Sullivan. 

Town Clerk — Charles Cross. 

Moderator — James N. Kenyon. 

Town Council — Stephen C. Browning, Gardner W. Sullivan, Wm. 
Greenman, George F. Burdick, Jason P. Green. 

Justice of the Peace, or Trial Justice — Oliver D. Clark. 

Town Treasurer — George H. Ward. 

Town Sergeant — Joseph C. Church. 

Constables — John Congdon, Varnum Ennis. 

Overseer of the Poor — Hazard G. Kenyon. 

Surveyors of Lumber — Caleb Kenyon, Benj. Tucker. 

Assessors of Taxes — Charles Holden, Hazard G. Kenyon, New- 
man B. Card, Stanton T. Stedman, James A. Kenyon. 

Sealer of Weights and Measures — Charles Cross. 

Pound Keeper — Reuben A. Healy. 

Field Driver — Asa Noyes. 

Packers of Fish — Benj. B. Green, Charles M. Burdick. 

Auditors of Town Treasurer's Accounts — Charles Cross, John A. 
Wilcox, M. D. 

Town Surveyors — Archibald Barber, Caleb Kenyon. 



54 Town of Charlestown. 

Wreck Masters — George H. Ward, Horace Wilcox. 
Auctioneers — Henry C. Card, John Congdon, Joseph E. Taylor. 

February Term of Supreme Court : 
Grand Juror — Beriah C. Kenyon. 
Petty Juror — Franklin E. Brown. 

May Term of Court of Common Pleas : 
Grand Juror — Benjamin B. Green. 
Petty Juror — Henry S. Green. 

Appointed by the Governor, at the May Session, A. D. 1876 : 
Commissioner of the Narragansett Indians — John A. Wilcox, M. D. 
Commissioner of the Indian School — Wm. F. Tucker. 

LIST OF PERSONS WHO HAVE HELD THE OFFICE OF 
TOWN CLERK, FROM SEPT. 4TH, 1738, TO 1876. 

William Clark, September 4th, 1738, to September, 1747. 



Joseph Stanton, Jr., 
Robert Potter, 
Joseph Hoxsie, 
John Champlin, 
Gideon Hoxsie, 



1747, " " 1753. 

1753, " " 1755. 

1775, " " 1760. 

1760, " " 1761. 

1761, " « 1762. 



John Champlin, June, 1762, to November, 1763. 

Joseph Hoxsie, November, 1763, to June, 1769. 

James Congdon, 3d, June, 1769, " " 1772. 

Joseph Stanton, Jr., " 1772, " " 1773. 

James Congdon, 3d, " 1773, " " 1783. 

John Champlin, " 1783, " " 1785. 

Col. Peleg Cross, Jr., " 1785, " " 1787. 

Benjamin Hoxsie, Jr., " 1787, " " 1791. 

Col. Peleg Cross, Jr., " 1791, " " 1817. 

Samuel Stanton, " 1817, " " 1838. 

John Stanton, " 1838, " " 1847. 

William H. Perry, " 1847, " " 1849. 

Gideon Hoxie, Jr., " 1849, " March, 1851. 

John Stanton, March, 1851, " June, 1852. 

Charles Cross, June, 1852, " 

LIST OF PERSONS WHO HAVE HELD THE OFFICE OF 
TOWN TREASURER, FROM SEPT. 4TH, 1738, TO 1876. 

John Hoxsie, from 1738 to 1739. 
Samuel Wilbur, from 1739 to 1742. 
Joseph Eanos, from 1742 to 1744. 



HiSTOEicAL Sketch. 55 

Samuel Wilbur, from 1744 to 1745. 
Joseph Eanos, from 1745 to 1747. 
Benjamin Hoxsie, from 1747 to 1755. 
John Hill, Jr., from 1755 to 1756. 
Benjamin Hoxsie, from 1756 to 1758. 
Gideon Hoxsie, from 1758 to 1760. 
Benjamin Hoxsie, from 1760 to 1761. 
Gideon Hoxsie, from 1761 to 1762. 
John Champlin, from 1762 to 1764. 
Joseph Hoxsie, from 1764 to 1778. 
Benjamin Hoxsie, Jr., from 1778 to 1783. 
Robert Congdon, from 1783 to 1788. 
Tobias Saunders, from 1788 to 1789. 
Jonathan Hazard, Jr., from 1789 to 1791. 
Tobias Saunders, from 1791 to 1796. 
Robert Congdon, from 1796 to 1801. 
Nathan Taylor, from 1801 to 1802. 
Christopher Saunders, from 1802 to 1818. 
Hoxsie Perry, from 1818 to 1826. 
Peleg Cross, from 1826 to 1833. 
George W. Cross, from 1833 to 1864. 
Preserved Davis, from 1864 to 1867. 
George W. Cross, from 1867 to 1871. 
George H. Ward, from 1871 to 

GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES. 
FIRST DEPUTY. SECOND DEPUTY. WHEN ELECTED. 

Col. Joseph Stanton, Samuel Perry, Sept. 4th, 1738. 

Samuel Perry, Capt. Wm. Clark, March 6th, 1739. 

Capt. Isaac Sheffield, July 6th, 1739. 

Capt. John Hill, March 4th, 1740. 

Samuel Wilbur, Christopher Champlin, August 28tb, 1740. 

Samuel Perry, Joseph Church, March 3d, 1741. 

Capt. Joseph Stanton, Capt. Chris. Champlin, August 25th, 1741. 
Samuel Perry, " " " March 2d, 1742. 

Wm. Clark, Jr., Nathaniel Lewis, August 31st, 1742. 

Maj. Chris. Champlin, Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, March Ist, 1743. 
Stephen Hoxsie, John Webster, August 30th, 1743. 

Col. Chris. Champlin, April 18tb, 1744. 
John Hicks, Wm. CJark, Jr., August 28th, 1744. 

Col Joseph Stanton, Joseph Hicks, April 7th, 1745. 



56 



Town of Chaklestown. 



FIRST DEPUTY. 



James Congdon, 
Richard Bailey, 
Col. Chris. Champlin, 
Col. Joseph Stanton, 



SECOND DEPUTY. 

Samuel Perry, 



(( i( 



Col. Chris. Champlin, 
Col. Joseph Stanton, 
Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, 
James Congdon, 
Col. Chris. Champlin, 



Wm. Clark, Jr., 

James Congdon, 

Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, 
James Congdon, 
Benjamin Hoxsie, 
Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, 



Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, 
Capt. Joseph Stanton, 

Col. Chris. Champlin, 



James Congdon, 
Col. Chris. Champlin, 



(( (( a 

James Congdon, 
Col. Chris. Champlin, 

Robert Potter, 

Capt. Joseph Stanton, 
Nathaniel Sheffield, 
Capt. Robert Potter, 
Gideon Hoxsie, 



Capt. Robert Potter, Joseph Hoxsie, 



(( u 



Gideon Hoxsie, 

Col. Chris. Champlin, 



Joseph Stanton, 
Capt. Robert Potter, 



Peleg Cross, 
Col. Chris. Champlin, 
Joseph Hoxsie, 
Capt. Robert Potter, 



Capt. John Champlin, 



Col. Chris. Champlin, 
Gideon Hoxsie, 
Joseph Hoxsie, 
John Congdon, 
Gideon Hoxsie, 



WHEN ELECTED. 

August 27th, 1745. 
April 18th, 1746. 
August 26th, 1746. 
April 15th, 1747. 
August 27th, 1747. 
April 28th, 1748. 
August 28th, 1748. 
April 19th, 1749. 
August 29th, 1749. 
3d Wed. April, 1750. 
last Tues. Aug. 1750 
3d Wed. April, 1751. 
last Tues. Aug. 1751 
3d W^d. April, 1752. 
last Tues. Aug. 1752 
3d Wed. April, 1753. 
last Tues. Aug. 1753 
3d Wed. April, 1754. 
last Tues. Aug. 1754 
April 16th, 1755. 
last Tues. Aug. 1755 
3d Wed. April, 1756. 
last Tues. Aug. 1756 
April 20th, 1757. 
August 30th, 1757. 
3d Wed. April, 1758. 
last Tues. Aug. 1758 
3d Wed. April, 1759. 
last Tues. Aug. 1759 
3d Wed. April, 1760. 
last Tues. Aug. 1760 
3d Wed. April, 1761. 
last Tues. Aug. 1761 
3d Wed. April, 1762 
last Tues. Aug. 1762 
3d Wed. April, 1763. 
last Tues. Aug. 1763 
3d Wed. April, 1764. 
last Tues. Aug. 1764 
3d Wed. April, 1765 
last Tues. Aug. 1765 
8d Wed. April, 1766 



Historical Sketch. 



57 



FIBST DEPUTY. SECOND DEPUTY. 

John Congdon, Gideon Hoxsie, 

Peleg Cross, " " 

Capt. Robert Potter, 

Capt. Robert Potter, Joseph Stanton, Jr., 

Joseph Stanton, Jr., Capt. Robert Potter, 

Gideon Hoxsie, Job Taylor, 



John Congdon, 

Nathan Kenyon, 
Samuel Kenyon, 

Sylvester Robinson, 



Col. Joseph Stanton, 
Joseph Hoxsie, 
Sylvester Robinson, 
Benjamin Hoxsie, Jr., 

Stephen Perry, 

Jonathan Hazard, 
Jesse Champlin, 



Joseph Hoxsie, Samuel Kenyon, 

Capt. Josh Stanton, Jr., Jesse Champlin, 

" " Jonathan Hazard, 

Col. Jos'h Stanton, Jr., " " 

Gideon Hoxsie, Robert Congdon, 

Col. Gideon Hoxsie, " " 

Col. Jos'h Stanton, Jr., Jonathan Hazard, 
Col. Gideon Hoxsie, " " 

Col. Jos'h Stanton, Jr., " " 

Brig. Jos'h Stanton, Jr., " " 

Col. Gideon Hoxsie, Brig. Jos'h Stanton,Jr., 

Brig. Jos'h Stanton, Jr., Jonathan Hazard, 



Col. Gideon Hoxsie, 
Jonathan Hazard, 



Thomas Hoxsie, 



Samuel Cross, 
Nathan Kenyon, 
James Congdon, Jr., 

Jonathan J. Hazard, 



WHEN ELECTED. 

last Tues. Aug. 1766 
3d Wed. April, 1767 
last Tues. Aug. 1767 
3d Wed. April, 1768. 
last Tues. Aug. 1768 
3d Wed. April, 1769. 
last Tues. Aug. 1769 
April 18th, 1770. 
August 28th, 1770. 
April 17th, 1771. 
August 27th, 1771. 
April 15th, 1772. 
August 25th, 1772. 
April 2l8t, 1773. 
August 31st, 1773. 
April 18th, 1774. 
August 30th, 1774. 
April 19th, 1775. 
last Tues. Aug. 1775 
April 17th, 1776. 
last Tues. Aug. 1776 
3d Wed. April, 1777 
last Tues. Aug. 1777 
3d Wed. April, 1778. 
last Tues. Aug. 1778 
April 21st, 1779. 
August 31st, 1779. 
April 19tb, 1780. 
August 29th, 1780. 
April 18th, 1781. 
last Tues. Aug. 1781 
3d Wed. April, 1782. 
last Tues. Aug. 1782 
3d Wed. April, 1783. 
August 26th, 1783. 
3d Wed. April, 1784. 
August 3l8t, 1784. 
April 20th, 1785. 
last Tues. Aug. 1785 
April 19th, 1786. 
August 29th, 1786. 
3d Wed. April, 1787. 



58 



Town of Charlestown. 



FIRST DEPUTY. SECOND DEPUTY. 

Jonathan J. Hazard, Lodowick Stanton, 
Gen. Jos'h Stanton, Jr., Jonathan Hazard, Jr., 



Joseph Hoxsie, Peleg Cross, 
Gen. Jos'h Stanton, Jr., Jonathan Macomber, 

Joseph Hoxsie, James Peckham, 

Gideon Hoxsie, Robert Congdon, 

Benjamin Hoxsie, Jr., Capt. Amos Green, 

(( (( a i( 

Peleg Cross, Jr., Robert Congdon, 

Robert Congdon, Edward Wilcox, 

Edward Wilcox, Gen. Jos'h Stanton, Jr., 

Gen. Joseph Stanton, Edward Wilcox, 



Major Edward Wilcox, 



WHEN ELECTED. 

August 28th, 1787. 
April 16th, 1788. 
August 26th, 1788. 
April 15th, 1789. 
August 25th, 1789. 
April 2l8t, 1790. 
August 3l8t, 1790. 
April 20th, 1791. 
August 30th, 1791. 
April 18th, 1792. 
August 28th, 1792. 
April 17th, 1793. 
August 27th, 1793. 
April 16th, 1794. 
August 26th, 1794. 
April 15th, 1795. 
August 25th, 1795. 
April 20th, 1796. 
August 30th, 1796. 



In the Schedule of June, 1797, the title of " Deputies " was 
changed to " Representatives." 



FIBST KEPRESENTATIVE, 



SECOND KEPRESENTATIVE. 



Gen. Joseph Stanton, Major Edward Wilcox, 
" Col. Gideon Hoxsie, 



Peleg Cross, Jr. 



Capt. Jos'h Hoxsie, Jr., 
Major Edward Wilcox, 



Maj. Edward Wilcox, Joseph Stanton, 3d, 
" " Joseph Stanton, Jr., 



WHEN ELECTED. 

April 19th, 1797. 
August 29th, 1797. 
April 18th, 1798. 
August 28th, 1798. 
3d Wed. April, 1799. 
August 27tb, 1799. 
April 16th, 1800. 
August 26th, 1800. 
April 15th, 1801. 
August 25th, 1801. 
April 21st, 1802. 
August 31st, 1802. 
April 20th, 1803. 
August 30th, 1803. 
April 18th, 1804. 
August 28th, 1804. 
April 17th, 1805. 
August 27th, 1805, 
April 16th, 1806. 



Historical Sketch, 



59 



FIBST BEPBESENTATIVE. 

Col. Edward Wilcox, 



SECOND BEPEESENTATIVE. 

Joseph Stanton, Jr., 



Joseph Stanton, Jr. 



Col. Edward Wilcox, 
Joseph Cross, 



Gen. Jos'h Stanton, Jr. 
Dea. Daniel Stanton, 



Gen. Jos'h Stanton, Jr. 
Joseph Cross, 
Asa Church, 



(( (C 



Joseph Cross, 
Peleg S. Thompson, 



Joseph Gavitt, 

(( (( 

(( (( 

Major Edward Wilcox, 

(t <( 

Thomas Hoxsie, 

Joseph Wilcox, Jr., 



Joseph Gavitt, 
Jesse Babcock, Jr., 

Joseph Wilcox, 
Samuel Stanton, 



Arnold Hoxsie, 
George Thurston, 
David Clark, 



Thomas Hoxsie, 



WHEN ELECTED. 

August 26th, 1806. 

April 15th, 1807. 

August 25th, 1807. 

April 20th, 1808. 

August 30th, 1808. 

April 19th, 1809. 
, August 29th, 1809. 

April 18th, 1810. 

August 28th, 1810. 

April 17th, 1811. 
, August 27th, 1811. 

April 15th, 1812. 

August 25th, 1812. 

April 21st, 1813. 

August 31st, 1813. 

April 20th, 1814. 

August 30th, 1814. 

April 19th, 1815. 

August 29th, 1815. 

April 17th, 1816. 

August 27th, 1816. 

April 16th, 1817. 

August 26th, 1817. 

April 15th, 1818. 

August 25th, 1818. 

April 2l8t, 1819. 

August 31st, 1819. 

April 19th, 1820. 

August 29th, 1820. 

April 15th, 1821. 

August 28th, 1821. 

April 17th, 1822. 

August 27th, 1822. 

April 16th, 1823. 

August 26th, 1823. 

April 2l8t, 1824. 

August 31st, 1824. 

April 20th, 1825. 

August 30th, 1825. 

April 19th, 1826. 

August 29th, 1826. 

April 18th, 1827. 



60 

FIRST EEPBESENTATIVE. 

Joseph Wilcox, Jr., 



Caleb Kenyon, 



Edward Wilcox, 

(I It 

Dan. King, 
Samuel Perry, Jr., 



Caleb Kenyon, 
George W. Cross, 



Joseph Gavitt, 



Asa Church, Jr., 



Town of Chaklestown. 

SECOND EEPBESENTATIVE. 

Joseph Stanton, Jr., 
David Clark, 



Dan. King, 



Caleb Kenyon, 



George W. Cross, 
James N. Kenyon, 



George A. Stanton, 

U it 

Asa Church, Jr., 

<( (( 

(( (( 

Gordon H. Hoxsie, 



WHEN ELECTED. 

August 28th, 1827. 
April 16th, 1828. 
August 26th, 1828. 
April 15th, 1829. 
August 25th, 1829. 
April 21st, 1830. 
August 31st, 1830. 
April 20th, 1831. 
August 30th, 1831. 
April 18th, 1832. 
August 28th, 1832. 
April 17th, 1833. 
August 27th, 1833. 
April 16th, 1834. 
August 26th, 1834. 
April 15th, 1835. 
August 27th, 1835. 
April 20th, 1836. 
August 30th, 1836. 
April 19th, 1837. 
August 29th, 1887. 
April 18th, 1838. 
August 28th, 1838. 
April 17th, 1839. 
August 27th, 1839. 
April 15th, 1840. 
August 25th, 1840. 
April 21st, 1841. 
August 31st, 1841. 
April 20th, 1842. 



MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WHO HAVE 
SERVED UNDER THE CONSTITUTION ADOPTED IN 1843. 

SENATE. 

Asa Church, Jr., 1843 to 1846. 
James N. Kenyon, 1846 to 1850. 
Joseph H. Cross, 1850 to 1854. 
James N. Kenyon, 1854 to 1855. 
William Foster, 1855 to 1857. 
Asa Church, Jr., 1857 to 1858. 
William Foster, 1858 to 1859. 



HiSTOBioAL Sketch. 61 



Caleb Kenyon, 1859 to 1860. 
John Money, 1860 to 1861. 
Elisha S. Peckham, 1861 to 1862. 
George A. Stanton, 1862 to 1864. 
John W. Money, 1864 to 1865. 
Hazard A. Burdick, Jr., 1865 to 1866. 
Stephen C. Browning, 1866 to 1871. 
Beriah C. Kenyon, 1871 to 1874. 
George C. James, 1874 to 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

Gordon H. Hoxsie, 1843 to 1844. 
James N. Kenyon, 1844 to 1845. 
Caleb Kenyon, 1845 to 1846. 
Gideon Hoxsie, 1846 to 1847. 
Asa T. Hoxsie, 1847 to 1848. 
Joseph Gavitt, 1848 to 1854. 
Thomas A. Pierce, 1854 to 1856. 
John W. Money, 1856 to 1857. 
Caleb Kenyon, 1857 to 1859. 
John Congdon, 1859 to 1860. 
Thomas A. Pierce, 1860 to 1861. 
Calvin G. Miner, 1861 to 1862. 
Asa T. Hoxsie, 1862 to 1864. 
Hazard A. Burdick, 2d, 1864 to 1865. 
Samuel B. Hoxsie, 1865 to 1866. 
Caleb Kenyon, 1866 to 1869. 
Joseph D. Wilcox, 1869 to 1872. 
William D. Cross, 1872 to 1873. 
Joseph C. Church, 1873 to 1874. 
George Burdick, 1874 to 1875. 
Charles Cross, 1875 to 



62 



Town of Chaklestown. 



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HiSTOKicAL Sketch. 63 

CHURCHES. 

The first church established in this town received the following 
title : " The Church of England in Charlestown." It was also 
called the " Westerly Church." This church was built on a lot of 
land given for that purpose by George Ninigret, Chief Sachem of 
the Narragansett Indians. It joined the Champlin farm, and when 
the church went down, was held by them by possession. The town 
of Westerly was divided after the erection of the church, and it 
fell on the Charlestown side of the division line. The church was 
situated on the north lot of the late Champlin farm, now owned by 
Robert Hazard, son of Joseph, and fronting on the public road, to 
the north of the house now owned by James McDonald, and within 
half a mile of the residence of the then sachem. The deed was as 
follows : 
To all People to whom these Presents shall come, greeting. 

Know ye, that I, George Ninigret, Chief Sachem and Prince of 
the Narragansett Indians, in the Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantations, in New England, in America, for and in consid- 
eration of the love and affection which I have and bear for and 
towards the people of the Church of England in Charlestown and 
Westerly, in the county of King's county, in the colony aforesaid, 
and for securing and settling the services and worship of God 
amongst them, according to the. usages of that most excellent 
church, within the said Charlestown, at all times forever hereafter, 
and also for and in consideration of the sum of Five Shillings of 
the currency of said colony, and of the old tenor, to me in hand 
actually paid by John Hill, Esq., Col. Christopher Champlin, both 
of said Charlestown and colony aforesaid, and Ebenezer Punderson, 
of Groton, in the county of New London and colony, now officiates 
a missionary from the Society, and I was the first Episcopal of 
Connecticut, clerk, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, 
have given, granted, bargained, sold, enfeoffed, conveyed, and by 
these presents do fully and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, en- 
feoff, and convey, unto the said John Hill, Christopher Champlin, 
and Ebenezer Punderson, their heirs and assigns forever, to the use 
of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, 
and their successors forevermore, (which Society were incorporated 
by Letters Patent under the great seal of England,) one certain 
tract of land lying in said Charlestown, in the colony of Rhode 
Island aforesaid, containing forty acres, and whereon the Church of 
England in said Charlestown now stands, in the occupation of the 
aforesaid Christopher Champlin, and is butted and bounded as 



64 Town of Chaelestown. 

followeth : Beginning at a stake with stones about it, thence run- 
ning south 38 degrees east 45 rods and a quarter, to a stone and 
heap of stones by the country road ; and from thence easterly, as 
the road runs, 128 rods, to a stake with stones about it; from 
thence north 14 degrees west 40 rods to a small white oak tree 
marked on two sides ; from thence south 50 degrees west 12 rods 
to a stake and stones ; and from thence a straight line to the first 
mentioned corner ; with all erections and buildings standing on 
said premises, with all the woods, underwoods, pools, water and 
water-courses, with every other appurtenance and privilege of any 
sort belonging to the said tract of land, or in anywise appertaining, 
and the reversion or reversions, and the remainders, rents, issues 
and profits of all and singular the premises. 

To have and to hold, all and singular, the said tract of land, 
premises, with every of their privileges, commodities and appurte- 
nances, unto the said John Hill, Christopher Champlin, and Ebene- 
zer Punderson, their heirs and assigns forever, to the use and ben- 
efit and behoof of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel 
in Foreign Parts, and their successors forevermore, to be by the 
said Society forever thereafter applied and appropriated for the 
benefit of the Episcopal minister for the time being of the Episco- 
pal church in said Charlestown, in the said county of King's county, 
and his successors forever, and to and for no other use, intent or 
purpose whatsover. 

And I, the said George Ninigret, do hereby, for myself, my heirs, 
executors, administrators, and successors in said Sachem ship and 
Principality, and every of them, covenant and warrant to and with 
the said John Hill, Christopher Champlin, and Ebenezer Punder- 
son, their heirs and assigns, and also to and with the said Society 
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and their suc- 
cessors, that I am at this present time, and by right of indefeasable 
inheritance, the true, lawful and absolute owner and proprietor of 
said premises, and the same are now free and clear of all manner of 
incumbrances whatever, and that I, my heirs, executors, administra- 
tors or successors, now do and forever shall and will defend all and 
singular the said premises, with their appurtenances, unto and to 
the use of them for the purpose aforesaid, against all claims and 
demands whatsoever. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my 
hand and seal, this l"4th day of January, in the year 1745 old style, 

or 1746 new style. George — C Ninigket. 

mark. 

Acknowledged the same day, and duly recorded in the Towu 
Clerk's Office. 



HiSTOKiCAL Sketch. 65 

THE NARRAGANSETT INDIAN CHURCH. 

Many attempts were made, at different times, for the conversion 
of the Indians ; but the missionaries were generally unsuccessful. 

" About 1741, in the New Light stir, a reformation was brought 
about among the Indians in Charlestown, (probably under the care 
of a Mr. Park,) and a Baptist church soon after formed. In 1750, 
a Baptist church arose out of this. The first pastor was James 
Simons, and after him the famous Samuel Niles, in his day one of 
the most eminent Indian preachers in America. Others succeeded 
him. Benedict visited them in 1812, and found a few of the female 
members of the church still living and active in religious affairs ; 
three of them about 70 years of age. The male members were all 
absent on a fishing voyage." 

According to the most reliable information that can be educed, 
the old Indian church was erected somewhere about one hundred 
and ten years before the erection of the present one, which took 
place sixteen years ago ; hence the old structure was built not far 
from 1750, and located at a little distance to the north of the center 
of the town, within half a mile of the Indian school-house and pond, 
and on the same site upon which the new edifice now stands. It 
was a wooden structure, built without any regard to beauty, 
warmth, or convenience, and quite inferior to the present church ; 
yet there have been very many good sermons proclaimed within its 
walls. Here the renowned Samuel Niles poured out the gospel 
tidings, with amazing eloquence, to the sin-laden sons of the forest. 

The new stone edifice was erected in 1859 ; it is twenty eight 
feet wide, forty feet long, and twelve feet high, with ample room 
for all ordinary purposes. At the present period of time, the church 
contains forty members, who are Adventists in their persuasion. 
For a long time, the Tribe have continued to hold their annual 
" Indian Meetings " here, which occur on the second Sunday in 
August. They congregate, on this occasion, from the eastern part 
of Connecticut and Long Island, and from all parts of this State, 
to participate in these meetings and festivities. The white people, 
as well as the colored population, collect here in large numbers, and 
some of them for the express purpose of selling provisions and 
beer to the hungry and thirsty multitude that attend these annual 
gatherings. Twenty five years ago, it was the practice of the 
people to meet near the church ; but the great concourse of people, 
and the proximity of the tents, seriously affected the meetings ; 
and since then, the Indian Council have decided that all tents shall 
be erected at least one mile fropi the laeeting-house. 



66 Town of Chaklestown. 

THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF RICHMOND. 

It appears on record, that this church was founded in 1774. The 
old structure, which was known for a long time as the Boss Meeting- 
house — alas, not a stick is left to mark the once memorable spot ! — 
was situated on the northern limit of the hill skirting the southern 
edge of the Richmond-town Plain, and on the west side of the road, 
between Clark's Mills and Usquepaug village, and between Beaver 
and Usquepaug rivers, on what was commonly called the Robert 
Stanton purchase. But on the 8th of October, 1855, the Society, 
which was made the recipient of a fine building lot, through the 
generosity of Joseph Hoxsie, Esq., erected a house of worship on 
the aforesaid lot, and dedicated it. The new edifice is located in 
Charlestown, at a little distance to the south-east of Clark's village, 
on the corner where the highway crosses the Shore Line Railroad, 
and about midway between Shannock Mills and Kenyon's Mills. 
In 1873, William Marchant was Clerk of the church, which then 
numbered seventy-nine members. 

FIRST FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF RICHMOND 
AND CHARLESTOWN. 

On the 29th of September, 1845, Rowland G. Hazard, Esq., 
deeded a piece of land, situated between Carolina village and the 
depot, at nearly equal distance, to the above named Society. The 
Association erected an edifice, which was dedicated and used by the 
people for nearly twenty years ; but, finally, on the 27th of June, 
1865, Hazard G. Kenyon and wife, and William C. Tucker and wife, 
transferred their right, title and interest in a lot of land in the vil- 
lage of Carolina Mills, to the " Rhode Island Association of Freewill 
Baptist Churches." Here a stone basement was constructed, and 
the church was moved down into the village, and placed upon the 
foundation, by Jesse Breed, of Westerly. After the removal, the 
edifice underwent a thorough renovation, and it is now an ornament 
and a benefit to the village. The organization of this church was 
perfected on the 3d of August, 1866. Leander W. Tucker is the 
present Clerk, and his minutes indicate a membership of thirty-nine 
persons. 

CHARLESTOWN BRANCH OF THE GENERAL SIX PRIN- 
CIPLE BAPTIST CHURCH OF RICHMOND. 

The General Six Principle Baptist Church of Richmond was 
i^8tituted in 1725. Rev. Gilbert Tillinghast ofSciates as its present 



Historical Sketch. 67 

pastor. In 1875, the Annual Report of the Association admitted a 
membership of four hundred and forty-eight persons. From this 
church originated the Charlestown Branch. The land on which the 
Charlestown Church stands was formerly owned by Ira Kenyon, 
Esq., who gave a deed of the same to John S. Hiscox, Trustee to 
the Society, June 24tb, 1867. This edifice was erected at a cost of 
$1,500 ; it is twenty eight feet wide and thirty-six feet long, and 
pleasantly located on high land overlooking the village of Burdick- 
ville and the surrounding vicinity. The church was consecrated to 
a divine Being, by religious ceremonies, on the 12th of January, 
1871. Rev. Gilbert Tillinghast has been its regular Pastor, and 
Ira Kenyon, Esq., its faithful Clerk. In 1876, Mr. Kenyon's records 
contained the names of seventy active members. Mrs. Elizabeth 
Allen was admitted to a membership in the old church of Richmond 
in 1828 ; and has been a member of the new church since its or- 
ganization. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHARLESTOWN. 

Mr. Peleg Clark, Jr., of Westerly, was employed to build the 
church, which he completed to the satisfaction of his employers, in 
1840. It is situated on the Post Road, in the vicinity of Quono- 
contaug Neck, and on a very pleasant elevation, commanding an 
extensive view of the ocean and surrounding country. The dedi- 
catory exercises were consummated on the 11th of February, 1841. 
Rev. John H. Baker officiated at the dedication ; and, on the next 
day, Feb. 12th, Wilson Cogswell was ordained a minister of the 
gospel, and installed the first pastor of the church. Joseph Brown 
succeeded Mr. Cogswell as a shepherd of the flock. In 1841, this 
church registered forty-three members, with Joseph W. Taylor 
clerk ; and in 1873, seventy-one members, with Samuel B. Hoxsie 
clerk. 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY AT CROSS' 

MILLS. 
A deed was given by Joseph H. and George W. Cross to George 
Burdick, Esq., who was authorized to procure a situation for a 
building ; and he transferred it to the Society on the 17th of June, 
1876. The church, however, was built in the summer of 1873, at a 
cost of some $1,500, previous to the transfer of the property by 
Mr. Burdick. Soon after its completion, and at the organization 
of the church, Levi J. Cornell was chosen clerk, whose records in- 
dicate a membership of forty-three persons. 



68 Town of Charlestown. 

NARRAGANSETT INDIAN SCHOOL. 

It appears on record, that the State began to have schools for 
the Narragansett Indians as early as 1765. Mr. Bennett was sent 
to them as teacher. The Sachem, Thomas Ninegret, petitioned 
" The Society to Propagate the Gospel," to establish a free school. 
In his letter, he closes in the following touching words : 

" The prayer, that when time shall be with us no more, that when 
we and the children over whom you have been such benefactors 
shall leave the sun and stars, we shall rejoice in a far superior 
light." 

In October, 1767, the General Assembly took into consideration 
a letter presented by Andrew Oliver, Esq., and voted that Thomas 
Ninegret and five of his council make and give to the Secretary of 
the Colony, a deed of an island in a certain swamp in Charlestown, 
containing about three acres, where stands a school-house for the 
use of the Indians. This agrees with what was called the old 
Indian school-house. 

As early as 1815, the old school building was superseded by the 
present one, and named the Narragansett Indian School-house, in 
honor of the famous tribe of Indians, whose descendants still hold 
a small portion of the land by reservation. It may seem strange 
that the Indians owned the first school-house ; but it is neverthe- 
less true. This structure stands on a small knoll, at the north end 
of a pond formerly known to the tribe as Quacumpaug Pond, but 
more recently named the School-house Pond. It is an old wooden 
building, having the following dimensions : Length, thirty feet ; 
width, twenty-four feet ; and hight, seven feet between floors. 
There is a rough stone chimney in the building, which gives it an 
ancient appearance. In this house the few surviving members of 
the Narragansett Indians hold their annual council, and it is here 
that they also have their school. Once was the time when this 
building occupied a central position in the community ; but time 
has wrought a change ; some of the tenants of the land have passed 
away, while others have moved to the northern and central sections 
of the township ; leaving the structure far away from the larger 
number of its patrons. The building should be condemned at 
once. Necessity demands an immediate and a united action on the 
part of the tribe to secure better facilities for the instruction of 
their children. It is a cold, cheerless, dilapidated institution, and 
the surroundings, both in and out of the building, present any thing 
but a favorable impression. 



Historical Sketch. 69 

THE OLD SCHOOL BUILDING. 

Tradition informs us that there was a school building erected in 
the eastern part of the town, now known as District No. 1, as early 
as 1775, or before the Declaration of Independence. The probabil- 
ity is, that this building was used for school purposes during a 
period of twenty years or more ; however, Gen. Joseph Stanton 
received it by lottery, about the year 1796, and converted it into a 
dwelling house. One hundred years ago, the seaboard contained 
by far the larger portion of the town's population and opulence. 
Here, too, lived the better educated class of citizens ; and is it to 
be considered strange, that such enlightened people should have 
fostered and encouraged the advancement of education, or should 
have perpetuated, in a certain sense, the institution which gave 
them such preeminence and advantage? That education was 
deemed a great incentive and an indispensable requisite to future 
success, seems evident from their daily transactions of life. In the 
exigencies of the last century, the inhabitants of this locality 
founded three school buildings in succession, varying in the dura- 
tion of time. 



THOMAS PERRY'S SCHOOL BUILDING. 

Since my first examination and research of the records of the 
town, I have very fortunately found a statement of a school-house 
that was built by Thomas Perry, at Cross' Mills, in 1801. This 
structure was located on the south side of the Cedar Swamp, and 
between forty and fifty rods to the east of the residence of George 
H. Ward. A school was maintained in said house for a period of 
more than twenty five years ; but, finally, it was purchased by Doct. 
Dan King, who moved it up West about one mile and a half, to 
what was called " King's Factory," and changed it into a dwelling 
house. Of the information relative to said house, we have conclu- 
sive evidence ; and that, from 1801 to 1828, it was the only school- 
house owned and used by the white people of Charlestown. 

Before the school law of 1828 went into effect, the representatives 
of the several towns of the State were requested to furnish an ex- 
act account of the number of school-houses and schools in each 
town. In their report, we fiud one school-house, and from five to 
seven schools in the winter and two or three in the summer. Such 
substantiates the fact that the majority of schools was then kept in 
private residences. 



70 Town of Chablestown. 

FACILITIES BEFORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Educational facilities prior to the establishment of public schools 
were exceedingly feeble in this vicinity. The people supported 
what were then recognized as private schools, the majority of them 
being kept in dwelling houses. In selecting a situation for a school, 
it was expedient for them to obtain a central location in the neigh- 
borhood, but this was not always accomplished, as there were very 
many obstacles in the way. Teachers, at this time, were hired for 
stipulated sums, receiving their wages from parents and guardians, 
who paid them in proportion to the number of pupils that each one 
sent to school. In this community, forty years ago, the practice 
was as common for a school officer to go into Connecticut to hire a 
teacher as it is now customary for a person to pay taxes. The 
school committee often granted certificates to persons whose quali- 
fications and abilities to instruct and govern a school were quite 
inadequate for the task ; and they seldom visited the schools to 
ascertain the results. Consequently, the schools were taught, 
many times, by very incompetent teachers ; by those who could not 
perform all the examples in the arithmetic, and, what is much more 
discreditable, were unable to give satisfactory explanations of such 
as they could perform. It frequently happened that persons taught 
school who had no knowledge of grammar, or, in other words, had 
never studied it. The average length of schools was between three 
and four months ; for which reason, educational resources were 
quite limited. 



DISTRICT SYSTEM. 

In 1828, the General Assembly passed an act to divide the several 
towns into districts, with which the people readily complied. The 
district system in this town was established June 2d, 1828 ; and a 
subdivision was made November 19th of the same year, separating 
the town into six districts. Next year, on the 15th of April, a por- 
tion of the district at Cross' Mills and at Quonocontaug was set 
off, forming a new district, which was added to the catalogue as 
No. 7. The last district subdivision in Charlestown was made in 
1871, when Carolina was taken from Fasquesett, and organized as 
the eighth school district. In the mean time, perplexities frequently 
grew out of the imperfect divisions and records of the districts ; 
and, in 1874, the school committee re bounded all the districts, 
giving more definite boundaries to them, and caused the same to 
be placed on record in the Town Clerk's office. 



Historical Sketch. 71 

District No. 6 — Washington. 
In 1828, Joshua Card, Joseph Cross, Henry Greene, David Clark, 
Elisha Greenman, Wm. Card, Dan King, Jacob Perry, and others, 
agreed to build a school house. Henry Greene furnished the land, 
containing twenty-two square rods ; and Elisha Greenman was 
appointed to superintend the work. According to date, this was 
the first school building erected by the white people of Charles- 
town, which continued to be used for school purposes ; and it was 
named Washington, in honor of the first President of the United 
States. This district is situated in the northeastern part of the 
town. In 1871, Jason P. Greene, George W. Cross, Amos P. 
Greene, and Henry S. Greene, transferred the property to the dis- 
trict, with the proviso that when it should cease to be used for ed- 
ucational means, it should fall back to its original grantors ; and, 
in the same year, the house was thoroughly repaired, and supplied 
with modern desks and seats. 

District No. 4 — Shumuncanuc. 

Here, in the northwestern part of the town, the surface is very 
hilly, and the people named the district after the most important 
hill. The citizens of this section met pursuant to notice, on the 
premises of Abram Allen, Esq., and selected a pleasant location for 
a school. Mr. Allen gave, then and there, the land on which the 
building was to be erected ; and Mrs. Elizabeth Allen, wife of 
Abram, named it " Union Hill,'' and paid one dollar for the honor 
of naming it. This building was raised on the 16th of September, 
and dedicated, by having a meeting in it, on the 13th of November, 
1834. The first structure, however, was burned down, and on No- 
vember the 10th, 1845, Arnold and Nancy Hiscox deeded a parcel 
of land to the district, nearer the centre, whereon the present 
school-house stands. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Allen, who was born June 22d, 1772, is now liv- 
ing and enjoying good health ; she is a member of the Six Prin- 
ciple Baptist Church of Charlestown, and possesses a remarkable 
memory for a person who has lived to see more than five-score 

years. 

District No. 2 — Quonocontaug. 

In this section of the State, some of the hills, streams, rivers and 
ponds, retain at the present time the original names given by the 
Indians. Quonocontaug is situated in the southwestern portion of 
the totvn, and this name appears first applied to a pond in the 
neighborhood, from which the district received it. Edward Wilcox, 
who was Lieutenant Governor from 1817 to 1821, transferred a lot 



72 Town of Chaklestown. 

of land to the district, upon which a school house was built in 
1838. Although a respectable number of teachers have gone forth 
from other schools, still this school is entitled to the honor of edu- 
cating an unusual number of good and faithful teachers. 

District No. 3 — Cookstown. 
This division joins the town of Westerly, and it is really a rural 
district. The first school officers elected were the following : Bow- 
en Briggs, Moderator ; Joseph W. Taylor, Clerk ; Benj. F. Wilcox, 
Matthias Crandall, and Rowland Peckham, Trustees ; Perry Healy, 
Treasurer ; and Gardner Crumb, Collector. Bowen Briggs and 
Gilbert Stanton conveyed a piece of land to the district in 1839, 
and a school building was erected during the year. 

District No. 7 — Watchaug. 
The people of this district erected a school house in 1840, but a 
deed of the land on which the house stands was not granted until 
August 15th, 1864. Watchaug is located in the south part of the 
town, and derives its name from a large pond on the western 
boundary, so called by the Indians. There is no other district in 
Charlestown which has such a grand expanse of water within its 
limits, or bordering on its territory. 

District No. 1 — Cross' Mills. 
This district is situated in the southeastern section of the town, 
and named after the village within its limits. The citizens of the 
neighborhood built a house for educational purposes in 1843. 
From 1845 to 1860, perhaps no school in the town excelled this 
one in literary attainments ; and in reference to teachers, without 
doubt this school has produced nearly as many as all the other 
schools combined. The school building was repaired and re-seated 
in 1874. 

District No. 5 — Pasquesett. 

The citizens were in meditation a long time before any conclu 
sion was reached ; and finally, in 1850, they purchased thirty rods 
of land of Robert Hazard, and built a school house thereon. The 
district, which is situated in the northern and central part of the 
town, takes its name from a small pond lying on its eastern border. 
In 1874, the school house was enlarged and thoroughly renovated, 
and furnished with desks and seats of the latest pattern. The ex- 
tent of territory and the advancement of the school considerably 
exceeds that of any other in the town. The Indian school bouse 
heretofore mentioned, is located in the southern part of this di- 
vision. 



HiSTOEiOAL Sketch. 73 

District No. 8 — Carolina. 

In 1845, Rowland G. Hazard, Esq., erected a school house in 
Richmond, northwest of the village ; and, on the 13th of May, 
1871, the property, consisting of a house and lot, was sold to the 
district for $700. Meanwhile, the children from the northern part 
of the district of Pasquesett attended school here, as it was more 
convenient so to do, and paid their proportion of the school fund of 
Charlestown to the school in Richmond. But on the 27th of Janu- 
ary, 1872, District No. 8 of Charlestown, and No. 2 of Richmond, 
were consolidated, and named Carolina Joint District. At this 
period, an addition was made to the school house, at a cost of $2,- 
487 63, making it a very commodious and useful school building. 
Immediately after the completion of the house, the school was 
divided into a primary and a grammar department, establishing a 
graded school. 



IMPROVEMENT AND PRESENT CONDITION. 

About forty eight years ago, the public school system was estab- 
lished in the State of Rhode Island. It was truly the beginning of 
a new era of educational improvements ; and the State, like a living 
body which is sensitive in every member, was touched by the noble 
and generous act, in all its sub-divisions. Indeed, literary interests 
were perceptibly awakened in the minds of the people ; and, from 
that period onward, education has been steadily advancing in the 
direction of both a higher and a broader culture. The establish- 
ment of the permanent school fund and public schools gave life and 
vitality to the cause of education, and incited the people to a more 
united and determined effort to give better means of instruction to 
the rising generation. A few soul-inspiring men, faithful servants 
of a worthy cause, have taken hold of this national work, and have 
carried it forward to its present condition. The broad foundation 
of our common schools is favorably fixed, and, with wise legislation 
and prudent management, improvements will be made as long as 
time and necessity demand them. The common school is the place 
where a child should be taught the moral as well as the literary 
lessons of public life, for morality and learning are indispensable to 
a nation's success. Charlestown has now resident teachers enough 
to supply all her schools, and about fifty per cent, of them have at- 
tended State Normal Schools. The average length of schools for 
the year is a little more than eight months, showing quite a con- 
trast in comparison with the school year of one half century ago. 



74 Town of Charlestown. 

SCHOOL SUPERVISION. 

The School Committee which appointed the first Town Superin- 
tendent were elected in April, 1871, and organized soon after, by 
electing Samuel B. Hoxsie, Chairman ; Benjamin F. Greenman, 
Clerk; and Dr. A. A. Saunders, Superintendent. The employ- 
ment of a person to thoroughly inspect the schools, and to direct 
and assist the teachers in their daily labors, was an important step 
in educational progress^ School supervision is the foundation on 
which the whole system of popular instruction rests. Unquestion- 
ably, what is most needed by our public schools, and what is most 
essential to their efficiency, is a constant, thorough, and impartial 
supervision. I believe that the more direct and frequent this over- 
sight is, when judiciously exerted, the more satisfactory will be the 
results. 

DISTINGUISHED PERSONS. 

In connection with the public schools, perhaps, it may be proper 
to mention some of the persons who have labored faithfully for the 
advancement of education, and those who have become distinguish- 
ed for their ability. Dan King was an earnest advocate for popular 
education, and his sons were educated for various professions. 
Joshua Card was a notable aid in the cause of public instruction. 
He was himself a teacher of good repute, and his youngest son, 
David Card, is now a physician at Willimantic, Connecticut. Dr. 
Joseph H. Griffin was an earnest laborer for the advancement of 
schools and the education of his children. Louis P. Griffin, his 
son, completed a course of studies in medicine, and began his 
practice in Chicago, Illinois. Samuel J. Cross was an able and 
efficient educator. He moved from Rhode Island to New York, 
where he became connected with a college during the remainder of 
his life. Wm. H. Perry, a teacher of large experience, has done 
much to promote the best interests of our schools. Kate Stanton, 
daughter of George A. Stanton, and a lecturer of some note, was 
formerly a teacher in this town. 

EVENING SCHOOLS. 

District No. 5 — Pasquesett. 
The first Evening School of Charlestown was opened in 1871, by 
the author of this sketch, who organized and taught it without 
compensation. Reynolds K. Hoxsie, Esq., offered the basement of 
his new house at Carolina Station, for the benefit of the school, 
wbere be has since re-opened the room for the sale of dry goods 



Historical Sketch. 75 

and groceries. Necessity, the mother of invention, seemed to de- 
mand the organization of the school, that a certain class of individ- 
uals who were deprived of the advantages of day schools by their 
several occupations might be better educated. Here the school, 
which registered twenty-five, and averaged eighteen pupils, contin- 
ued sixteen evenings, with gratifying success. Through the labors 
of this school, a deep impression rested on the minds of the pupils ; 
they were aroused to a conciousness that more thorough and ex- 
tensive knowledge of the common branches was needful for the 
preparation of those who were to fill the various and responsible 
positions of life. No motive other than a generous one prompted 
this effort, which has proved an invaluable blessing to the pupils 
who attended the school, and to the surrounding communiQr. 

DisTEicT No. 5 — Pasquesett. 

In the autumn of 1872, having been convinced that illiteracy 
existed to some extent in our midst, I called together the children 
of Shannock Mills and vicinity, and established an evening school. 
This school was located in Charlestown ; it continued ten weeks, 
numbered fifteen, and gave a general average of twelve pupils. I 
took upon myself the responsibility of furnishing room and means, 
without remuneration, to secure the largest attendance ; and im- 
parted instruction to them gratuitously. However, this school 
numbered less than the one taught at Carolina Station the pre- 
vious year ; as the former included the pupils of two villages, 
whereas the latter included those of only one village. I fully ap- 
preciate the motives which influence a community to make such 
exertion that will confer the highest educational benefit upon the 
largest number of persons. To advance the cause of education in 
this locality, seems to be the voice and inclination of the majority 
of the people. 

Carolina Joint District. 

On the 3d day of January, 1876, Abel Tanner, an earnest, able, 
and efficient educator, employed Wm. T. Collins of Hopkinton, and 
John Holden of Charlestown, as teachers. With their assistance, 
he established an evening school in Carolina Joint District, in the 
town of Richmond, which proved a real success, and met the appro- 
bation of all concerned. Idleness and stupidity were soon exclud- 
ed from the premises ; the latent energies of the mind were awak- 
ened and called into action ; the enthusiasm and zeal of 1871 were 
rekindled ; and the school marched onward to perfection amidst the 
congratulations of the pupils and the approval of the people. This 



76 Town of Chaelestown. 

school held twenty-nine evening sessions, registered sixty-four, 
averaged fifty-eight, and closed February 24:th, 1876. 

During the next winter, Mr. Tanner, who was then trustee of the 
district, engaged Wm. T. Collins of Hopkinton, E. Anson Stillman 
of Westerly, and Wm. F. Tucker of Charlestown, and again opened 
the school, which continued only eighteen evenings, registered fifty- 
nine, and averaged forty-nine. The teachers worked earnestly and 
conscientiously for the advancement of those under their superin- 
tendence, while the pupils manifested an anxious desire to learn, 
and make the most of their opportunities. The best of discipline 
was maintained throughout the term, and the average attendance, 
for an evening school, was very good. The urgent need of main- 
taining an evening school of this grade and character, in this thriv- 
ing village of some five hundred inhabitants, is obvious to any ra- 
tional mind. It is my earnest desire that the success which the 
school has gained during the two past terms, and the interest and 
zeal manifested by the pupils for whose benefit it is organized, will 
secure its continuation. Term began December 12 th, 1876, and 
ended February 13th, 1877. 

DiSTKicT No. 4 — Shumuncanuc. 
The first evening school in this district was opened December 
15th, 1876, and closed March 3d, 1877. Mr. Simon P. Nichols, of 
Usquepaugh, who was teacher in the day school, took charge of it, 
and performed his duties with marked success and ability. Owing 
to the small number of pupils in attendance, and the larger part of 
that number being members of the day school, the principal diffi- 
culty of the instructor was to awaken earnestness and enthusiasm 
in the minds of the pupils. Notwithstanding the many disadvan- 
tages under which the teacher has been obliged to labor, yet the 
time has not been wholly lost, nor the means entirely squandered. 
The entire number registered was sixteen, and the average attend- 
ance for the term was nine. The school closed its session of twen- 
ty-five evenings, of three hours each, with a public exhibition. 

District No. 5 — Pasquesett. 
In the latter part of September, 1876, the citizens and friends of 
education persuaded me to establish an evening school where it 
would accommodate to the best advantage the scholars of Shannock, 
Clark, and Kenyon's villages. My first business was to procure a 
suitable room in a central position. This desired situation I found 
in the possession of Simeon P. Clark, of whom I hired it, and fitted 
it up for the occasion. Clark's Hall is well known to the public ; it 



Historical Sketch. 77 

is the largest one in Charlestown ; and it is generally used for re- 
ligious meetings and educational gatherings. To select a compe- 
tent corps of teachers was the next task that devolved upon me, 
and I very readily made a choice of Abel Tanner, Wm. T. Collins, 
and John Holden. The school became organized on the IGth day 
of October, 1876, and everything progressed finely and favorably. 
The pupils were divided into the following classes: In spelling, 
three classes ; in reading, four classes ; in arithmetic, four classes ; 
in grammar, two classes ; in algebra, one class ; in penmanship, 
one class ; and in Town's Analysis of Derivative Words, one 
class. The whole number of pupils registered during the term was 
75 ; the average attendance, 57 ; average age of pupils in attend- 
ance, 20 years. The school closed its term of twenty-six evenings 
on the 5th day of February, 1877. 

MANUFACTORIES. 

Charlestown cannot be considered a manufacturing district, as 
there is no capital employed in cotton or woolen manufactories 
within its limits. A few manufacturers, however, reside in this 
town, but their places of business are located on the right bank of 
Pawcatuck River, and in the town of Richmond, where all the man- 
ufacturing establishments are situated, which furnish employment 
to a portion of the inhabitants in the northern part of this town. 

On the 14th of February, 1776, Charles Church was authorized 
by a vote of the town to make thirty gun-barrels and bayonets for 
the use of the town ; the gun barrels were to be not less than three 
feet and six inches long ; and that the said Charles Church be al- 
lowed one dollar per foot for gun-barrels thus made, and one dollar 
for each bayonet. 

Caleb Crandall was authorized, at the same meeting, to stock in 
a strong and sufficient condition, for the use of soldiers, thirty 
small arms, and that the said Caleb Crandall be allowed $1 25 for 
each gun stocked as aforesaid. 

Joseph Stanton and Caleb Crandall were likewise appointed a 
committee to make a contract with Daniel Saunders for thirty gun- 
locks and trimmings, and to agree with him upon the price of them. 

KNOWLES' PURCHASE. 
On the 17th of March, 1845, Lodowick Hoxsie* sold to John T, 

* Lodowick Hoxsie, Esq., who bought the saw-mill and situation of Job Card, 
more than sixty years ago, or as early as 1815, ran the mill for a number of years 
after he came into possession of it. The mill was built by Mr. Card, at a very early 
date, but a portion of the old structure was removed since 1840. 



78 Town of Charlestown. 

and Jirah Knowles a mill privilege, situated on the south bank of 
the river at Clark's Mills. The new firm went to work, erected a 
mill, and manufactured linsey goods. Samuel A. Hoxsie bought 
the property, August the 1st, 1848, converted the establishment 
into a cotton mill, and made cotton yarn until 1856, when it was 
burned down. The site is now in the possession of Simeon P. 
Clark, who owns the land on both sides of the stream at the falls. 

KING'S PURCHASE. 

It is well known that Dan King bought a certain tract of 
land of Joseph Stanton, March 16th, 1831, and built himself a 
small mill, in which he manufactured negro cloth. " King's Facto- 
ry," for so it was called, was situated on the road between Cross' 
Mills and Richmond Switch, now known as Wood River Junction, 
and about one and one-quarter miles west from the first-named 
place. Finally, on the 22d of February, 1841, John R. Congdon 
purchased the estate of Mr. King. Congdon then received John 
Miller as partner in the enterprise, and changed the mill into a 
twine manufacturing establishment. Here the firm pursued this 
branch of business for a few years, but at last all went down, busi- 
ness, pond, and houses. The spindles have ceased to hum, the 
wheel has surely passed away, and there is not one building left — 
no, not one stick — at the present time, to remind one of the business 
that was transacted here. George F. Burdick, Esq., now cultivates 
the land where the pond once flowed. Of the manufacturing es- 
tablishments of this town, such seems to be the destiny. 

GRIST MILL. 

The first information relating to a grist mill, is found on record 
in Ninegret's deed to the colony, dated March 28, 1709. This mill 
then belonged to Joseph Davill, and was located on the brook at 
Cross' Mills, where the present one stands ; but I am unable to 
find, in my researches, the exact date when the mill was first built. 
This grist mill was in a good working condition when Joseph Davill 
owned it ; and it has been in use up to the present time. This is 
the only grist mill in the town, and Peleg Cross and his heirs have 
held possession of it for a long time ; it has, however, changed 
hands since the death of George W. and Joseph H. Cross, and it is 
new owned by Alfred Collins and Benjamin B. Greene. jT 

SAW MILLS. 
About 1^ miles south of Carolina village, on the road leading to 



Historical Sketch. • 79 

Cross' Mills, and something less than one mile to the north-east of 
the Indian cedar swamp, is a saw mill, which was owned by Joseph 
Jeffrey about one hundred years ago, and then known as the old 
Indian saw mill. The precise date of this mill is not known, it 
may have been built as early as Joseph Davill's mill, which was in 
good running order in 1709. Joseph Jeffrey sold this property to 
Caleb Kenyon, from whom it was handed down to his posterity. In 
1864, Saunders Crandall purchased the estate of Caleb Kenyon's 
heirs ; and, after the lapse of two or three years, he sold the farm 
to Benjamin F. Crandall, and the mill and privilege to Benjamin 
Tucker, who rebuilt and enlarged the mill, making several improve- 
ments. The building now contains a saw mill and a shingle mill, 
which are in operation during the larger part of the year. When 
Mr. Kenyon came into possession of this mill, the forests and 
swamps contained excellent timber. Oak, pine and cedar, are the 
principal kinds of lumber sawed at this establishment. 

Tradition informs us that Joseph Jeffrey was a wheelwright as 
well as a sawyer by trade ; and the people wishing to gain some 
knowledge of his workmanship, asked him to tell them how he suc- 
ceeded in making such splendid wheels ; whereupon he replied, 
" I guess and 'low, and the work generally comes all right." 

TUCKER'S SHINGLE MILL. 

In 1833, John Tucker, then a young man, built a dam, raised a 
pond, and erected a shingle mill. In three or four years after this, 
the Providence and Stonington railroad passed through the north- 
ern part of the town, within ten or fifteen rods of the mill. Caroli- 
na Depot, the nearest station to the establishment, is situated about 
one half of a mile to the east of it. Mr. Tucker informed me that 
since he commenced operations in 1883, his mill has turned out 
more than two hundred thousand shingles annually, or nearly ten 
millions. Possibly this mill has sawed, in forty-three years, more 
shingles than any other establishment in Washington County. 



INDIAN BURYING GROUND. 

About one mile to the north-east of Cross' Mills, and nearly the 
same distance to the north of the late Gen. Joseph Stanton's resi- 
dence, now owned by Doct. John A. Wilcox, is located the ancient 
burial-place of the royal family of the Narragansett Indians. It is 
on a pleasant elevation, which commands an extensive view of the 
ocean and country. There is a little pond to the south of it, and 



80 Town of Chaklestown. 

perhaps within eighty rods of the famous burying ground. There 
is one row of mounds raised above the next, where Indian tradition 
identifies them as the tombs of the sachems, great men, and their 
families. Many of the graves are very lengthy. The hill was 
formerly covered with wood, but during the great gale of the 8th 
of September, 1869, some of it was prostrated, and since then 
Joseph H. and George W. Cross, proprietors of the land, (now de- 
ceased,) have cut off a portion of the timber. This property, 
however, was recently sold at auction, to Edward T. Burdick and 
Benjamin B. Greene. 

In May, 1859, an event of a peculiar nature, which has a direct 
bearing upon this subject, transpired in this town, and it may with 
propriety be mentioned here. The following citizens — Joshua P. 
Card, Charles Cross, George F. Babcock, John Congdon, Asa Noyes, 
Christopher P. Card, Oliver Fisk, Samuel Noca, and Benoni H enry 
— who formed a company of nine members, repaired to the noted 
" Indian Burying Hill," and there opened a grave, to ascertain in 
what manner the Indians buried their dead, and to obtain, or col- 
lect, if possible, a few of the relics said to be deposited in the 
graves, as it was customary for them so to do. The grave which 
they opened was covered with large flat stones, and contained a log 
coffin. Two logs were split open, making four pieces ; these pieces 
served as bottom, sides and top of the coffin; and were firmly 
bound together with iron chains. A brass kettle was found at one 
end of the coffin, and an iron kettle at the other end. Quite a large 
collection of relics were taken out of this grave, and carried to the 
village at Cross' Mills, whence a portion of them were sent to 
Brown University in Providence, as I have been informed. 

A suit was brought against these men, by Henry Hazard, Joshua 
Noca, and Gideon Ammons, of the tribe, for opening the grave and 
taking therefrom sundry articles, or, in other words, for crime and 
misdemeanor against the laws of the State of Khode Island. They 
were arraigned before Joseph H. Griffin, Justice of the Peace, ex- 
amined, and held to answer therefor before the Supreme Court at 
Kingston, where they were duly acquitted, and exonerated from 
blame. The justice court over which Mr. Griffin presided was held 
in the Ocean House at Cross' Mills, for the special occasion. 

Subsequently, Dr. Parson, of Providence, opened quite a number 
of graves, to obtain a supply for a repository of scientific curiosities. 
Those who saw his collection make the assertion, that he did not 
accumulate one half as many relics as the party found in the first 
grave, against whom the prosecution was directed. 

There is another Indian burying ground on Fort Neck, near the 



HiSTOKiOAL Sketch. 81 

site of the old fort, where several graves are now visible. On one 
of the grave stones, (and the only one on which there seems to be 
any letters,) is the following inscription : " Here lies the Body of 
George, the son of Charles Ninegret, King of the Natives, and of 
Hannah his wife, died December the 22d, 1732, aged 6 mo." 

CHARLESTOWN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

At a meeting of the subscribers for a Library to be established 
in the town of Charlestown, held pursuant to notice given by a 
number of said subscribers, at the house of James Fry in said town, 
January 17th, A. D. 1849, John Stanton, Esq., was appointed 
Chairman of said meeting, and Wm. H. Perry, Secretary. The 
meeting proceeded to appoint a Committee to draft a Constitution ; 
the following persons were appointed the Committee : Dr. Joseph 
H. Griffin, Wm. H. Perry, George W. Cross, Asa Church, and John 
Stanton. On motion, the meeting was adjourned to Wednesday, 
January 24th, 1849, at 6^ o'clock P. M., to meet at this place. 

Wm. H. Perry, /Secy. 

At a meeting of the subscribers for a Library to be established 
in the town of Charlestown, held by adjournment at the house of 
James Fry in said town, Wednesday, January 24th, 1849, John 
Stanton, Esq., in the chair. The Committee appointed to draft a 
Constitution made report, presenting a draft of Constitution, and 
the same being read, was taken up by sections and acted upon, and 
finally the whole embodiment was adopted as the Constitution. 
John Stanton, Esq., was elected President ; George W. Cross, Vice 
President ; and Dr. Joseph H. Griffin, Secretary, of the Association. 
Dr. Joseph H. Griffin was appointed first Librarian, Samuel B. 
Hoxsie second, and Charles Anthony third Librarian. Wm. H. 
Perry was appointed Treasurer. A code of By-Laws was present- 
ed, taken up by sections and acted upon, and adopted as the By- 
Laws of the Association. On motion being made, the meeting was 
adjourned sine die. Joseph H. Griffin, /Sec'y. 

CONSTITUTION. 

We, the subscribers, agree to associate and incorporate ourselves for the purpose 
of establishing and maintaining a Public Library in the town of Charlestown, un- 
der the provisions of an act entitled "An act to provide for the voluntary incor- 
poration of Library, Academy and School Associations," passed at the June session 
of the General Assembly, A. D. 1847 ; and to be governed by the following Consti- 
tution : 

Aet. 1. This Association shall be called the Charlestown Library Association. 

Abt. 2. The olficers of the Association shall be a President, Vice-President, Sec- 
retary, Treasurer, and three Librarians, and the three first-named officers shall con- 
stitute a Board of Directors, who shall manage the business of the Association, 
subject, however, to such rules and regulations as the Association may from time 



82 Town of Charlestown. 

to time adopt. A majority of the persona elected Directors shall be a quorum, and 
they shall meet from time to time, whenever notified by the President. Either of 
the two last-named offices, (i. e., Treasurer or Librarian,) may be held by either of 
the three first-named officers. The officers of this Association shall serve without 
pecuniary emolument. 

Art. 3. The annual meeting shall be held on the fourth Wednesday of January 
in each year. All the officers of this Association shall be elected by ballot, if de- 
manded by any five members, at the annual meeting thereof ; provided, however, 
that the first election of officers shall take place at the time of the adoption of this 
Constitution. The Treasurer shall be required to give bond to the Association for 
the faithful discharge of his duties. 

Abt. i. Any member, for disorderly or immoral conduct, or for refusing or neg- 
lecting to comply with the By-Laws of the Association, may be expelled, and any 
officer, for misconduct, may be removed, at any regularly notified meeting of said 
Association. 

Akt. 5. The Directors may make all such regulations as they think best for the 
government of the Library, and calculated to enlarge the benefits thereof ; pro- 
vided, they be not inconsistent with law, or the Constitution, or the By-Laws of the 
Association. 

Akt. 6. The Library shall be held by the Association, not in shares for the bene- 
fit of the shareholders, but in trust for the benefit of the public ; to be open to 
all who shall comply with the regulations made by the Association or Directors . 
And for the purpose of continuing the legal existence of the corporation, the As- 
sociation shall, from time to time, elect as members such persons as they shall 
think most likely to co-operate zealously in promoting its objects. But no person 
shall be elected or admitted as a member unless proposed at a previous meeting ; 
provided, however, that all persons who shall have subscribed the sum of one dol- 
lar for the estabUshment of said Library before this Constitution is adopted, shall, 
on paying to the proper officer the amounts by them subscribed, within the time 
prescribed by the Association, become members of the same, without being pro- 
pounded at a previous meeting, as fully and effectually as those subscribers who 
are admitted at the time said Constitution is adopted. 

Art. 7. The President may at any time, and shall on the request of the Directors, 
or of any five members, call meetings of the Association, giving ten days public 
notice ; but the Association may, from time to time, regulate the mode of notice, 
and may direct when such meetings shall be held. 

Abt. 8. This Constitution maybe amended at any annual meeting, provided notice 
of the intended amendment has been given at some previous meeting. The Secre- 
tary shall cause this Constitution, and all is,lteration8 or amendments thereof, to be 
recorded in the Records of Land Evidence of the town of Charlestown, as the law 
requires. 

MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 

John Stanton, Joseph B. Tucker, 

Joseph H. Griffin, Stephen G. Browning, 

Asa Church, Jr., Joseph H. Cross, 

George W. Cross, James L. Austin, 

Peleg T. Brightman, John D. Browning, 

Gordon H. Hoxsie, Charles Cross, 

Gilbert Taylor, Benjamin B. Green, 

Samuel B. Hoxsie, James Fry, 

J. P. Card. 
■Recorded January 2d, A. .D. 1850, by G. Hoxsie, Jr., Town Clerk, 



Historical Sketch. 83 

The Charlestown Library Association was established in 1850, 
and owes its origin mainly to the liberality of Amasa Manton, Esq., 
of Providence. By the expenditure of about one hundred and fifty 
dollars, he has been instrumental in raising in this town double 
that amount, and has thus secured the establishment of a library 
with five hundred good books. Since the accomplishment of this 
object, the citizens have added at least one hundred and fifty vol- 
umes to the catalogue, making in all about six hundred and fifty 
volumes. Who can estimate the innumerable blessings, individual 
and social, which will flow directly or indirectly from the dissemi- 
nation of these books, and which will continue to flow still more 
abundantly when the liberal donor has himself passed from the 
earth, and another generation has risen up to have access to this 
library ? 

There is not one clause in the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and 
Regulations of the Association, whereby it is made an itinerating 
library ; yet the society established it, and divided the books into 
three divisions, locating them as follows : First division, at Cross' 
Mills, in charge of Dr. Joseph H. Griffin, first librarian ; second 
division, at Quonocontaug Neck, in care of Samuel B. Hoxsie, sec- 
ond librarian ; and the third division, at Carolina Mills, in care of 
Charles Anthony, third librarian. The volumes are now placed in 
cases, and are under the supervision of George H. Ward of Cross' 
Mills, Samuel B. Hoxsie of Quonocontaug, and Joseph B. Tucker 
of Carolina Mills. 

This library, for the last ten or fifteen years, has been compara- 
tively useless. I do earnestly hope that the friends of education 
will place these most powerful means of accomplishing the promo- 
tion of knowledge and virtue, upon a more sure basis, that the town 
may have its annual State appropriation, and that the people may 
avail themselves of the rare advantages which are indispensable to 
a well-informed community. 

Abel F. Stanton, of Cross' Mills, is the present Secretary of the 
Association. 



EDIFICES AND HALLS. 

A brief history of these structures may cast a ray of light on the 
gradual advancement of better facilities for both public and private 
affairs. Larger and more commodious halls have been provided for 
the use of the people. Previous to 1848, this town had but one 
hall ; since then, five more have been added to the number. 



84 Town of Charlestown. 

Stanton's Hall. 
As early as 1796, Gen. Joseph Stanton, through a lottery, obtain- 
ed a school building, which he afterward enlarged and fitted up for 
a dwelling house. However, this building underwent several im- 
provements, and about the year 1810, the house received the addi- 
tion of a store and hall ; and from that period onward to the time 
when the cars and steamboats were brought into use, it was a tav- 
ern of no small importance. Here many of the leading men of the 
country met, as it was on the most direct route between Newport and 
New London, and nearly midway between the two cities. In the 
noted and time-worn mansion, we find the oldest, and doubtless the 
first, hall ever erected in this town ; but, during the last thirty 
years, it has ceased to be used for public convenience. The estate 
is now owned by John A. Wilcox, M. D., who has recently made 
some repairs on the buildings. 

Wakd's Hall. 
In 1848, the Ocean House, at Cross' Mills, contained a hall which 
was opened for public use. The most memorable event which trans- 
pired in this hall was the criminal prosecution brought against the 
party who opened the grave on " Indian Burying Hill." Peleg Sis- 
son, Esq., in 1871, purchased this property, and divided the hall 
into smaller rooms ; therefore, as a hall, it has passed into desue- 
tude. 

Cross' Hall. 

In 1855, Joseph H. and George W. Cross put up a stone build- 
ing, 26 by 36 feet on the ground, and used the basement for a store 
and post office, and the upper story for a public hall. The town 
meetings and town councils were convened in this hall from 1855 to 
1876, or more than one quarter of a century : but the building has 
been vacated since the death of Joseph H. Cross, who died May 

25th, 1876. 

Clark's Hall. 

In 1859, John T. Knowles erected a grain mill, 44 by 40 ; but, 
after taking another view of the situation, he finally converted the 
establishment into a four-family tenement house. In 1869, Simeon 
P. Clark & Co. bought the estate of Samuel and Edwin Knowles, 
sons of John T. Knowles. During the same year, Mr. Clark em- 
ployed Charles Maxson & Co. of Westerly, who changed the upper 
story of the building into a hall, put on a sharp roof in lieu of the 
flat one, supplied the hall with a belfry and bell, and made a very 
spacious and convenient room of it. Of the four halls in the town, 
this is the largest one, and the one most frequently used. The 



Historical Sketch. rl85 

chief object for which this hall was constructed, as Mr. Clark in- 
formed me, was to afford better accommodation to the people for 
religious and educational purposes. How wise a devotion for the 
people's promotion ! This chapel seems to be in the most central 
place ; and it is opened for religious meetings, for Sabbath-schools, 
for Singing-schools, for evening-schools, and for the general diffu- 
sion of knowledge. 

Card's Hall. 
Some time in the early part of 1871, Henry C. Card, of Cross' 
Mills, entered into a contract with Jonathan Tucker for a building 
having the following dimensions : Length, 36 feet ; and width, 26 
feet. Mr. Tucker completed the job according to agreement during 
the same year. This structure consists of two departments, a gro- 
cery store and a public hall ; the latter, however, is now used by 
the town for public business. 

Samoset Hall. 

The structure, including the hall at Carolina Mills, was built in 
1872. It is 50 feet in length by 30 feet in breadth ; and it is supe- 
rior to any other edifice of the kind in Charlestown, both in design 
and workmanship. Soon after the completion of this building, Wil- 
liam D. Cross, the proprietor, established a cigar manufactory on 
the lower floor, where he is still actively engaged in the business. 

The Richmond and Charlestown Teachers' Association, which was 
organized in the early part of December, 1874, has always assem- 
bled in this hall, as it is near the boundary between the two towns, 
and affords altogether the best accommodation to the people who 
attend such educational meetings. May this hall be in constant de- 
mand, and the center of refinement and learning ! 



86 Town of Charlestown. 



INDEX 



Page. 

Abrogation of the Laws respecting the Sale of Indian Land 30 

Act to prevent Indians being Sued for Debt , 16 

Aid to the Poor of Boston 46 

Allowance to Will Davel for the Loss of an Eye 15 

Appointment of Overseers to lease out Ninegret's Land 15 

Association, Charlestown Library 81 

Association, Charlestown Library, Members of 82 

Auditors, Appointment of, to audit Trustees' Accounts 21 

Burying Ground on Fort Neck 80 

Card's Hall 85 

Carolina Joint District, No. 8 73 

Carolina Joint District, No. 8 75 

Charlestown, subdivision of 25 

Charlestown Branch of the General Six Principle Baptist Church 66 

Churches, Establishment of 63 

Citation for Ninegret to appear at the next Assembly 32 

Clark's HaU 84 

Committee, Appointment of, to survey Lands in Westerly 18 

Committee, Appointment of, to settle the late Ninegret's Affairs 43 

Constitution and By-Laws of the Charlestown Library Association 81 

Conveyance of Land by Ninegret to Cooke RufiQn's Son 16 

Cookstown, District No. 3 72 

Copy of a Resolution passed by the General Assembly 5 

Council of Ninegret, petition of, to sell Fort Neck 37 

Cross' HaU 84 

Cross' Mills, District No. 1 72 

Deed of Roger Williams and wife to his Associates 9 

Deed of George Ninegret to the Church in Charlestown 63 

Deeds, execution of, by Committee and two of the Indian Council 44 

Deposition of Roger Williams relative to his Purchase 11 

Disinterment of Indian Graves, suit against 80 

Distinguished Persons 74 

District System 70 

Donation of Ninegret to the Town of Westerly 17 

Edifices and Halls 83 

Evening Schools, Pasquesett, District No. 5 74 

Execution of Deeds by Thomas Ninegret and Council 35 

Explanation of an Act exempting Indians from Debt 17 

Facilities before Public Schools 70 

First Town Meeting of Charlestown, Election of OflScers 52 

First Freewill Baptist Church of Richmond and Charlestown 66 

First Baptist Church of Charlestown 67 

First Baptist Church and Society of Cross' Mills 67 

Fort Niantic, on Fort Neck ^7 

Fort Shumuncanuc 47 

Founders of the State of Rhode Island, partial list of 11 

Funds returned to the General Treasury by Ninegret's Trustees 17 



Historical Sketch. 87 

General ABsembly, appointment of Committee by 36 

Grist Mill 78 

Harbor, appointment of Committee for Inspection 28 

Hopkins, Hon. Stephen, added to the Committee 42 

House of Deputies, Members of, from 1738 to 1797 55 

House of Representatives, Members of, from 1797 to 1843 58 

House of Representatives, Members of, from 1843 to 1876 61 

Improvement and Present Condition of Public Schools 73 

Indian Burying Ground 79 

Indians, Restriction of, against selling Land 34 

Joint Resolution on the Celebration of the Centennial 4 

Kenyon, William, his Statement concerning Thomas Ninegret 50 

Knowles' Purchase 77 

King's Purchase 78 

Land of Stephen Wilcox for sale 18 

Letter from Roger Williams to the General Court of Massachusetts 12 

Library, remarks respecting 83 

Lottery, proceeds of, to be used for turning the Pawcatuck River 31 

Manufactories 77 

Marriage of John Anthony to Sarah George, Queen 50 

Memorial of Charles Ninegret to the General Assembly 19 

Money loaned to Ninegret by order of General Assembly 16 

Narragansett Indian School 68 

Narragansett Indian Church 65 

Narragansett Sachems 48 

Ninegret, Charles, death of 24 

Ninegret, Thomas, reminiscences of 51 

Ninegi'et, George, conveyance of lands by, to the Church 24 

Ninegret, Sarah, petition of , 26 

Ninegret, Charles, an infant, Act for reUef of 28 

Ninegret , Esther, marriage of 51 

Ninegret, Thomas, petition of, against Taxation 29 

Notice to Ninegret's Creditors to bring in their Claims 34 

Notification of the Sale of Ninegret's Land 18 

Old School Building 69 

Oliver, Andrew, letter of, to the Governor, respecting a School House 34 

Opinion of Indian Council relative to Fort Neck 43 

Overseers of Ninegret, power to lease Lands for fourteen years 17 

Park, Rev. Joseph, respecting service of his sons, restitution for 30 

Pasquesett, District No. 5 72 

Pasquesett, District No. 5 75 

Pasquesett, District No. 5 76 

Passage of an Act for the Payment of Debts 25 

Pequot Indians, their Overthrow 46 

Perry, Samuel, dismissal of, from Trusteeship 24 

Petition of Tribe against the Sale of Indian Lands 31 

Petition of Thomas Ninegret and six of his Council 36 

Petition of Esther Sachem and her Husband 39 

Petition signed by forty-three Indians 44 

Petition for turning Pawcatuck River into Charlestown Pond 20 

Plat of Ninegret's Lands . 18 



88 Town of Chaelestown. 

Prefatory Remarks 6 

President Grant's Proclamation 3 

Queen of the Tribe empowered to give Deeds 42 

Quonocontaug, District No. 2 71 

Recommendation of Indian Justices of the Peace 42 

Report of Committee to the General Assembly 18 

Report of Committee concerning Lands of the Narragansetts 33 

Report of Committee relative to the affairs of the Tribe 40 

Reservation of George Ninegret 23 

Robinson, Matthew, appointment of, to draw Deeds 42 

Royal Heads of the Niantic Tribe 49 

Sachem, George, premature death of 51 

Samoset Hall 85 

Saw Mills 78 

School Supervision 74 

Second Baptist Church of Richmond 66 

Senate, Members of, from 1843 to 1876 60 

Shumuncanuc, District No. 4 71 

Shumuncanuc. District No. 4 76 

Stanton, Col. Joseph, purchase of, ordered to be confirmed 18 

Stanton, Col. Joseph, account of, by whom audited 24 

Stanton's Hall 84 

Surveyors, appointment of, to set off Tribe Land 32 

Taxation of Property, exemption of Tribe from 29 

Thomas Perry's School Building 69 

Town Officers for 1876 53 

Town Clerks from 1738 to 1876 54 

Town Treasurers from 1738 to 1876 54 

Trustees of Ninegret, report of, to the General Assembly 18 

Trustees Richard Ward and Samuel Perry 22 

Trustees, removal of 27 

Tucker's Shingle MiU 79 

Vacant Lands, Deed to the Colony, March 28th, 1709 23 

Vote of Assembly, requesting Ninegret and Council to give a Deed 34 

Ward's Hall 84 

Washington, District No. 6 71 

Washington County, census of, from 1708 to 1875 62 

Watchaug, District No. 7 72 

Westerly, subdivision of, into two Towns 21 




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